| This is the most common question that parents ask | | | | Here is a list of concerns observed among toddlers |
| whenever they notice odd behaviors from their | | | | and young children with autism spectrum disorder. This |
| children. A lot of people assume that if their child fails | | | | list is derived from a number of sources: |
| to talk at the age or 2 or 3, he is autistic. This is a big | | | | - Does not follow directions given. |
| misconception. There are numerous reasons as to | | | | - Seems to hear you at times, but is not consistent. |
| why speech might be delayed in toddlers, and a lot of | | | | - Does not respond to his name at all times. |
| other reasons why some children are not hitting their | | | | - Used to make attempts to talk, but suddenly stops. |
| milestones, but sadly, autism is one of them. It is | | | | - Throws severe tantrums. |
| comforting to know though, that talking late in toddlers | | | | - Manifests strange movement patterns like flapping |
| does not automatically mean that your child is autistic. | | | | arms, more so when excited. |
| Autism is a disorder that lasts a lifetime. It is referred to | | | | - Doesn't smile in return. |
| as a developmental disorder because symptoms | | | | - Avoids eye contact. The child seems to look past |
| normally manifest before a child reaches the age of 3 | | | | you. |
| which is a critical period of development. It then causes | | | | - Normally doesn't cooperate when asked to do daily |
| concerns in the child's development, learning and | | | | chores/routines. |
| growth. When a child has autism, the areas that are | | | | - Is hyper most of the time. |
| affected normally concerns delayed skills in the | | | | - Prefers to play alone. |
| following: | | | | - Is an extremely picky eater. May only prefer to eat 4 |
| - Sensory - the way a child receives and process | | | | different foods. |
| information with the use of his senses, namely; the | | | | - Mimics what he hears instead of using his own |
| sense of sight, taste, movement, touch, hearing, and | | | | words. |
| taste. | | | | - Spends a lot of time putting things in a row, lining |
| - Cognitive - the manner in which a child learns and | | | | things up and gets very distressed when interrupted. |
| thinks. | | | | - Has a great attachment to toys or objects. |
| - Social Interaction - the manner in which a child | | | | If your child has these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily |
| interacts or relates to others. | | | | mean that he/she is autistic. Make time to discuss your |
| - Motor - the manner in which a child moves his body. | | | | child's signs with a healthcare provider. Finally decide if |
| - Language - the manner in which a child comprehends | | | | an intensive assessment is needed. |
| and makes use of gestures and words. | | | | |