Some of the common characteristics include deficits in social interaction, communication, reasoning and sensory processing.
It is usually diagnosed at an early age between three and 10 years, but in some cases the effects are evident as early as 18 months. If the warning signs are visible in your child, do not wait to have him/her evaluated. Symptoms can range from Pervasive Developmental Delay, Aspergers, High Functioning Autism to Classic Autism. Autism is more common in boys than girls.
A child who receives intervention can improve to the point where obvious mannerisms fade away.
Early indications of autism
- Severe communication and language delays
- Poor social interaction
- Poor eye contact
- Sensory sensitivity, e.g. walking on toes
- Disturbed sleeping patterns
- Not cuddly as a baby
- Seems to be hearing impaired
- Resistance to learning and change
- Laughing or crying for no apparent reason
- Unusual attention to particular objects or movements
- Not aware of danger
- High tolerance to pain
- Lack of or inappropriate facial expressions
- Fussy eaters
- Over-active
- Indicating needs by gesture only
- Repetitive patterns of behaviour and speech
