More About Autism

Does my child have autism?

This can be a scary question for parents to ask themselves. We must remember that early detection, diagnosis and treatment are key in the eventual betterment of your child’s disorder. Autism itself, is a spectrum disorder; meaning that the symptoms can range from mild to quite severe. Because many of the signs are subjective in nature, it can be difficult to notice the deficiencies at an early age. Autism can impair children in a number of ways, including socially, cognitively and present other difficulties with communication and unusual behavior. Early warning signs can include:

Those traits are by no means all inclusive, but highlight some of the most obvious signs that parents can look for. To maximize the objectivity of the diagnosis, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children are tested using autism-specific screenings at 18 and 24 months of age. These tests should supplement normal developmental screenings that take place during well-child visits to the doctor, at 9 months, 18 months and again at 24 months of age.

In the end, it’s the responsibility of the parents or caretakers to recognize the warning signs and the importance of taking early action can’t be overstated.

If you feel as though your child is exhibiting any of the traits above, or is showing unusual behaviors, please contact your primary care physician. They can begin by administering screenings and tests that can better determine if your child is suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD).