| The recent rise in publicity is causing more people to | | | | the greater the chances of treatment helping the child. |
| become aware of Autism and to wonder if their child | | | | Finding out if your child is Autistic can take time. It can |
| may be Autistic. No one wants to imagine something | | | | be a life changing occurrence for both you and your |
| could be wrong with their child. But then they see a | | | | child. Only when you find out if your child is Autistic can |
| news story or hear someone talking about a child that | | | | you begin the recommended course of action or |
| has Autism and they start to imagine that their own | | | | continuing to see what is causing your child's problems |
| child may have signs of Autism. | | | | if it is not Autism. |
| The characteristics of Autism are many and they | | | | Signs of Autism that your child may need further |
| differ in each child. Even if you see some Autism | | | | evaluation include: |
| symptoms in your child it does not mean they are | | | | 1. No eye contact |
| Autistic. There are many medical conditions that have | | | | 2. No communication at all; sounds or words. |
| the same warning signs. Some children may be slower | | | | 3. No show of emotions. |
| in their developmental milestones. Remember that | | | | 4. Does not pretend play. |
| each child develops at their own tempo and just | | | | 5. Use of repetitive movements. |
| because your child is not talking by the time they are | | | | 6. If they show a hard time with schedule changes. |
| twelve-months-old does not mean they have Autism. | | | | 7. Do not respond to you when you are speaking to |
| If you worry about your child's progress speak to their | | | | them; either with looks or words. |
| Pediatrician. Only they can tell you if further testing | | | | 8. Doing things over and over again. |
| should be considered. Many parents try to self | | | | 9. Loss of skills they knew. |
| diagnose their children. This can be a huge blunder. It | | | | 10. An attachment to a certain food, or smell. These |
| takes a number of qualified medical specialists to | | | | are sensory problems. |
| diagnose Autism signs in a child. This Autism | | | | If you notice these signs in your child speak to your |
| symptoms checklist cannot be done with one | | | | Pediatrician about them. Receiving a proper diagnosis |
| appointment, with one pediatrician. You will need a | | | | and treatment plan are very important. But again; do |
| team of professionals evaluating your child. | | | | not worry over every little thing. Remember, some |
| Remember, the earlier you have your child assessed | | | | children just take a little longer to reach their milestones. |