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

Are you the parent of a young child that is concerned about their
development? Does your child, have unusual behavior, delays in speech,
refuses or is limited in their contact with you and their peers? This
article will briefly discuss the definition of the disorder,
diagnostic tools usedto diagnose it, and resources to get more
information.

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

6 Signs:

1. Speech delay or communication problems (using and understanding
language.
2.Repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. Also motor
mannerisms such as hand flapping or spinning toys or bottles.
3.Lack of spontaneous or make believe play, or unusual play with toys
and 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. and
www.autism-society.org. Both sites contain a lot of information,
including treatment.

The Autism Society of Americas Web site contain information on
screening and diagnoses. They also state that the rate of the disorder
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 short
questionnaire that both the parents and the doctor fill out. I
recently heard that the American Medical Association is encouraging
all doctors to screen their children patients at 18 months.

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

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

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