| It is during the toddler years when most of the cases | | | | autism. |
| of autism are diagnosed. This does not mean that the | | | | Here are the 3 signs of autism - toddlers: |
| disorder is prevalent during this stage of life, but it is | | | | Communication: Compared to children with normal |
| during this period when most of its signs and | | | | development, autistic children produce fewer words, |
| symptoms start to show. This is when parents should | | | | sounds and gestures. They also have a different gaze |
| be more attentive in observing the signs of autism. | | | | and tend to shy away from eye contact. |
| Toddlers are children who are between infancy and | | | | Lack of interest: Being autistic is like having your own |
| childhood, which usually begin in the ages of 12 and18 | | | | little world. Autism impairs the social development of a |
| months. | | | | person. Children with autism appear to be disinterested |
| Autism is one of the group of disorders of neural | | | | in other people and the environment. They do not |
| development commonly know as Autism Spectrum | | | | respond to their own name and you hardly ever see |
| Disorders (ASDs). It is characterized by impairment in | | | | them smile. They also have a difficulty in interacting |
| communication and social interaction, and by repetitive | | | | with other children their own age. |
| behavior. | | | | Repetitive behavior: Autistic children exhibit repetitive or |
| Researchers have found in a study that the early | | | | stereotyped behaviors. This is one of the most |
| signs of autism are already manifested by toddlers as | | | | obvious signs of autism. Toddlers with autism display |
| early as 14 months of age. The signs vary in every | | | | flapping and head-banging even while in their cot. They |
| individual and are still not very noticeable. | | | | like doing things in the same routine and eats only |
| It is very important to detect the signs of autism as | | | | particular food. They are also attached to one |
| early as possible. This will give the parents, pediatricians | | | | particular toy or object. This behavior is attributed to |
| and experts more opportunity to diagnose children with | | | | their difficulty in adopting changes. |
| ASD. As a result, early interventions can be applied | | | | Aside from these signs of autism, toddlers who have |
| and thus, reducing the negative effects of autism in a | | | | a brother or a sister who has ASD are also more |
| child's development. In a recent study, it was found that | | | | likely to be suffering from the disorder. Experts believe |
| early intervention programs are highly effective in | | | | that the disorder somehow has strong genetic basis, |
| improving the IQ, language ability and social interaction | | | | although such theory has still no definite proofs. |
| of children as young as 18 months. | | | | Having an autistic child should not be all that bad. An |
| The number of studies about autism is increasing by | | | | estimated number of individuals diagnosed with ASD |
| the year. But up until now, there is still no know cure for | | | | show extraordinary abilities. Such talents include |
| autism. Also, it is important to note that there are still no | | | | excellent memorization skills, superior perception and |
| standardized criteria for detecting the signs of autism. | | | | attention to details in arts and music and many more. |
| Toddlers also vary in displaying characteristics of | | | | |