Characteristics for Autism
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder. Characteristics for autism will vary for each child. However, the disorder usually includes some type of deficit in communication, imaginative play, socialization, and/or the presence of repetitive or stereotypical behaviors. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder and can be referred to as early infantile autism, childhood autism, or Kanner’s autism(1). Autism statistics show that the incidence of autism has increased substantially over the past 30-40 years. Unfortunately this increase has not led to the discovery of any official autism causes other than fragile X syndrome. Characteristics for autism might include difficulty developing age appropriate peer relationships or a lack of peer relationships completely. Some parents may notice symptoms of mild autism at a younger age, but symptoms are usually not always apparent in a child until they are about 2-3 years old. This is because it is usually when it becomes more obvious that a child is not developing similar to his/her peers. Typical characteristics for autism are(2): • Insistence on sameness; resistance to changes in routine
Trying to determine whether your child may be showing characteristics for autism can be challenging. Sometimes it may seem like only a slight delay or as if there is just something a little bit off about a child's behavior. That is why I have created some printable autism symptoms checklists to aid parents in deciding whether their child may need further evaluation. One checklist is referred to as the checklist for autism in toddlers (CHAT) and the other is based on autism signs as outlined in the DSM-IV by the American Psychiatric Association. For individuals that do develop language, their speech may have an abnormal intonation, pitch, rate, rhythm, or stress (e.g., tone of voice may be monotonous or may not sound appropriate in the context that it is used)(1). Flexibility is limited and the child may require strict routine or nonfunctional rituals to avoid having a temper tantrum or melt down. Autism TreatmentsThere are a variety of autism treatments available to treat the characteristics for autism. Some of these include applied behavior analysis, such as discrete trial training, the use of a picture exchange communication system, utilizing a special autism diet, speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, Floortime, and Relationship Development Intervention.Developmental Disorders Autism Spectrum DisorderAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Signs of ADHDBehavior Disorders Oppositional Defiant DisorderSensory Processing Disorders Tactile DefensivenessSchool Behavior Listening SkillsApplied Behavior Analysis Discrete Trial TrainingPrintable Behavior Charts More free behavior chartsBehavior Help Using social storiesWork at home jobs Virtual call center Jobs
References1. American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Pervasive developmental disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (Fourth edition---text revision (DSM-IV-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association,70-75.2. Characteristics for Autism.(2008). Autism Society. www.autism-society.org. 11-20-09 3. Newschaffer CJ, Croen LA, Daniels J et al. (2007). "The epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders" (PDF). Annu Rev Public Health 28: 235–58
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