What Is Autism, And How Do I Know If My Child Has It?

Are you the parent of a young child that is conce
ed about thei
development? Does your child, have unusual behavior, delays in speech,nrefuses or is limited in their contact with you and their peers? Thisnarticle will briefly discuss the definition of the disorder,ndiagnostic tools usedto diagnose it, and resources to get moreninformation.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that usually appearsnduring the first three years of a child’s life. It is defined by anunique set of behaviors and is considered a spectrum disorder. In factnsome people refer to it as Autism Spectrum Disorder. What this means,nis that a child can have different symptoms that go across a spectrum.
You will also hear terms like pervasive developmental disorde
not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), asbergers syndrome, retts syndrome.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder refers to the overall category and isnnot a label for diagnostic purposes.

6 Signs:

1. Speech delay or communication problems (using and understandingnlanguage.
2.Repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. Also moto
mannerisms such as hand flapping or spinning toys or bottles.
3.Lack of spontaneous or make believe play, or unusual play with toysnand other objects.
4.Lack of interest in peer and family relationships.
5.Little or no eye contact.
6.Difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings.

These definitions were found at NICHCY www.nichcy.org. andnwww.autism-society.org. Both sites contain a lot of information,nincluding treatment.

The Autism Society of Americas Web site contain information onnscreening and diagnoses. They also state that the rate of the disorde
is 1 in 150 children.

For Screening they recommend that the child’s Doctor use a tool called
The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT). This tool uses a shortnquestionnaire that both the parents and the doctor fill out. Inrecently heard that the American Medical Association is encouragingnall doctors to screen their children patients at 18 months.

For Diagnoses they recommend the childhood autism rating scale, whichnis also called the CARS. I often ask for the CARS when I suspectnthat a child may have autism. This scale also gives a rating of mild,nmoderate or severe, which is helpful to parents and special educationnpersonnel. Do not confuse the CARS with the GARS! GARS stands for thenGillium Autism Rating Scale, and is used in older children and adults.

Some school districts do not like to diagnose children with autism. Inam not sure why, (perhaps they are afraid that parents will ask for anlot of services). Do not accept special education personnels "opinion"nthat your child does or does not have autism, ask for the CARS ratingnscale.

Autism is a life long developmental disability that will affect you
child for their entire life. But studies show that early diagnosis andntreatment will lead to much improved outcomes. You must make sure,nthat your child receive treatment as early as possible, for the bestnlife outcome!