Symptoms of Autistic Disorder - ASA

Children with autism (also known as Autistic Disorder) may appear relatively normal in their development until the age of 18 to 30 months. The signs may be subtle at first. That's why many children with autism are undiagnosed until toddlerhood and beyond. Other children may show delays in development and unusual behaviors almost from birth. Developmental delays may occur in language, play skills, or social interaction. Following is a brief summary of the symptoms of autism (adapted from the Autism Society of America’s web page: "What Is Autism?").

Communication: A child with autism may learn language slowly or not at all; words may be used without attaching the usual meaning to them; gestures may be used instead of words; may ignore other's speech; may use "nonsense" language; may have a short attention span.

Social Interaction: A child with autism may prefer to spend time alone rather than with others; may show little interest in making friends; may be less responsive to social cues such as eye contact or smiles; may use people as "tools" to get what they want (for example, a child may put his mother's hand on the door to open it).

Sensory Impairment: A child with autism may have unusual reactions to physical sensations, certain textures, sounds, smells, tastes, or sights; may be overly sensitive to touch or under-responsive to pain; any of the senses (sight, hearing, touch, pain, smell, balance, and taste) may be affected to a greater or lesser degree.

Play: A child with autism may show a lack of spontaneous or imaginative play; may not imitate others’ actions; may have difficulty pretending.

Behaviors: A child with autism may be hyperactive or very passive; may have frequent tantrums for no apparent reason; may focus intensely on a single item, idea or person; may follow exact routines in the way they do things and may be very upset if the routine is changed; may show an apparent lack of common sense; may rock, spin, or bang his/her head; may show aggressive or violent behavior or injure self.

What To Do: If you suspect your child has autism or several of the symptoms and/or shows a delay (or loss) in their development or skills, contact your child's physician, your local early intervention program, your local health department, your child's school, or your local mental health agency. Don't be put off. Be persistent. Don't settle for the same old answers: "He/she will outgrow it."; or: "Boys talk later than girls."; etc. This is your kid, be an advocate until you are sure nothing is wrong!

Please send questions, comments, & suggestions to: Gary J. Heffner.

DISCLAIMER: This site is intended to provide basic information resources on Autistic Disorder. It is not intended to, nor does it, constitute medical or other advice. The author of the web site is not a medical doctor. Readers are warned not to take any action with regard to medical treatment or otherwise based on the information on this web site or links without first consulting a physician. This web site does not necessarily endorse any of the information obtained from any of the links on this page or links that other pages may lead you to. Neither does this web site promote or recommend any treatment, therapy, institution or health care plan. The information contained in this site is intended to be for your general education and information only and not for use in pursuing any treatment or course of action. Ultimately, the course of action in treating a given patient must be individualized after a thorough discussion with the patient's physician(s) and family.