Can You Detect Autism in Your Child
There has been an increased awareness of a condition that can strike children with no warning and no known definitive cause’ Autism. The scientific world is baffled with this development al disorder. Autism is a brain disorder of which there is no known cure. The research has pointed toward chemical imbalances and environmental poisons.
Most recent research has identified chromosome 7 as a possible link, making this condition of a genetic nature. Research has even blamed certain childhood vaccines as a trigger. So how would a parent know if their child was autistic? They are no physical signs such as with Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal defects. There are however, symptoms that a child with autism may display. The symptoms usually develop during the early toddler years.
The child’s speech development is delayed. They do not say the typical things that toddlers say such as ‘da-da’ or ‘by-by. ‘Some children stop speaking at all. Parents may also see repetitive speech; the child repeats the same words over and over. When the child does speak, it is without emotion in a very monotone manner. Other symptoms may be repetitive behaviours or motions, i.e., rocking back and forward. They may also begin crying or laughing without a visible reason.
Children with autism are socially withdrawn. In other words they do not seek out others to interact with. The child may be playing alongside of other kids and not interact with them. They prefer to play alone. They are content to be isolated by themselves and are not interested in social activities.
Emotional responses are need-generated. In other words, they may scream out, throw temper tantrums, or make certain motions to be fed, given something to drink, and even to be left alone. There is very limited if any eye contact or acknowledgement of the presence of others and they do not liked to be hugged or touched. Parents must be aware that the behaviours above are presented together and the display of only one is not a sign of autism.
Some children with autism are able to live a pretty normal life, as adults while others require support for their entire lives. Symptoms range from mild to severe, but all usually have difficulty with socialization and interactions with their environment. There are many resources for parent s who believe their child may have autism. (Submitted link dead)
R. N., BSN, MBA, PhD student (Health Science)
