|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Signs and Symptoms of Autism |
Including Signs of Autism in Infants and Young Children |
Since autism is a disorder and not a disease, it is not entirely accurate to refer to "symptoms" of autism. Instead, there is a range of autism and behavior patterns that indicate autism. Signs of autism may appear during infancy, and the disorder is usually diagnosed by the time the child is 3 years old.
Sometimes the child's behavior appears normal until 18 months to 2 years, and then regresses rapidly. This is referred to as "regressive autism". Signs and symptoms of autism occur in various combinations and range from mild to severe. We have put together a list below. |
Signs of Autism in Infants |
Signs of Autism in Young Children |
- Abnormal reactions to sensory stimuli
- Resists cuddling, hugging or affection
- Lack of response to others
- Indifferent to surroundings
- Sleep disorders
- Lack of interest in playing with toys
- Appears content to be alone
- Does not point out objects of interest
- Inconsolable crying or screaming
|
- Apparent hearing problems
- Uses gestures instead of words
- Does not respond to name
- No eye contact
- Unaware of toys
- Repetitive use of words or phrases (echolalia)
- Does not smile
- Loss of communication and verbal skills at any age
- Age 16 months with no word use
- Age 2 years with no two word sentences
|
Signs of Autism in Children |
- Is not interested in other people and prefers to be alone
- Resists changes in routine
- Repeats actions (turning in circles, flapping their arms, rocking, head banging)
- Tendency to withdraw from social interactions
- Heightened activity, or very little activity
- Toe-walking
- Uneven motor skills
- Innappropriate attachment to objects
- Frequent behavioral outbursts, tantrums
- Seizures
- Learning difficulties
- Reduced or increased sensitivity to pain
- Resistance to touch
- Abnormally sensitive to sounds, smells, bright lights, or other sensory stimulation
- No interactive play with other children
- Lacks empathy
- Has difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling
|
|
Diagnostic Criteria for Autism (DSM IV-TR) |
| In order to make a formal diagnosis of Autism, the following signs and symptoms must be present: |
Impairment in
social interaction |
Impairment in communication skills |
Restricted, stereotyped
& repetitive behavior,
interests and activities |
1. Lack of eye contact, facial expressions and social gestures
2. Failure to develop peer relationships
3. Does not seek out social interaction
4. Lack of social or emotional reciprocity |
1. Language delay or absence
2. Inability to initiate and sustain conversation
3. Stereotyped or 'strange' use of language
4. Lack of make believe or social play |
1. Abnormally intense preoccupation with certain activities or areas of interest
2. Inflexible insistence on certain nonfunctional rituals or routines
3. Stereotyped and repetitive movements ie. hand flapping, preoccupation with parts of objects |
To make the diagnosis at least 6 of the above markers must be noted, as well as developmental delays in at least one of the following areas:
1. Delayed or abnormal social interaction
2. Delay or abnormal use of language in social interaction
3. Delay or absence in symbolic or imaginative play
Please note that many healthy children will display some of these symptoms, this does not make them autistic! the symptoms above can range from mild to severe.
|
|
|
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no known single cause for autism, and there is also no known single cure. While there are many different theories about the best course of treatment for addressing signs and symptoms of autism, most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention begins, the better the child can be helped. |
|
What To Do? |
We recommend targeted nutritional supplements in conjunction with a safe detoxification protocol as a simple, non-invasive way to further your child's potential.
|
|
Additional
Useful Information for Parents of
Children on The Autism Spectrum |
Test
Your Child for Toxic Metals
Testing your child for heavy and toxic metals is extremely
important, and highly recommended. It will give you much
needed info about your child's body.
More
info on heavy metal testing >>>
The
ABCs of Autism
Autism is a disorder which is marked by impairments in
social skills, behavior, and speech. Children with autism
are often withdrawn, lack emotion and speech, and are
extremely sensitive to sound and touch.
More
info on what is autism >>>
Signs
& Symptoms of Autism
Since autism is a disorder and not a disease, it is not
entirely accurate to refer to "symptoms" of
autism. Instead, there is a range of signs and behavior
patterns that indicate autism.
More
info on signs of autism >>>
Diets for Autism
Find out what diets can help your child in their recovery process.
Click for details >>>
|
|
Asperger’s
Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome is an autistic spectrum disorder
(ASD) that was first identified by physician Hans Asperger
in 1944, but was only added to the DSM-IV in 1994.
As
a result, many children have been misdiagnosed with Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder and even Schizophrenia.
More
info on Asperger's Syndrome >>>
Autism
& Mercury Poisoning
There is now a great deal of information available that
tells us in no uncertain terms that toxic metals and
chemicals are a causative factor in many cases of
autistic spectrum disorders. These would include harmful toxins such as mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, insecticides
and pesticides
More
info on Autism and
mercury poisoning >>>
Resources
for Parents
A list of autism resources for parents
and caregivers of an Autistic, Asperger's Syndrome, or
PDD child:
More resources for Autism, Asperger's,
and PDD >>>
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All material provided on this site
is for informational and educational purposes only. It
is not meant to replace or substitute for the recommendations
or advice of your physician or medical provider. Please consult
a health care provider regarding the applicability of any
opinion or recommendation with respect to your symptoms or
medical condition. Products are offered for use in therapies
that may benefit normal function and structure. These statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or
prevent any disease.
© COPYRIGHT EVENBETTERHEALTH.COM 2004 - 2011
|
| |
| |
|