Autism: Learning about the Disorder and Identifying Early Signs
Autism is described as a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. It impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.
Autism is becoming increasingly common. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that Autsim occurs in 1 in every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94 boys. There is no exact known cause for Autism at this time. It is thought to be due abnormalities in brain structure which often appear on scans but research also suggests a genetic link and a familial tendency of related disabilities. While no one gene has been identified to cause Autsim, research continues to be done in this area. Another theory is that, due to their genetics, some children are born susceptible to Autism but then there is a trigger that causes it to actually develop. Triggers may be environmental factors that occur during pregnancy or delivery, such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals.
Being aware of the early signs of Autism is extremely important. As parents, you know your children the best and if you have an instinct that something just isn't right, you may be right. It is important to act on those instincts to ensure that your child begins to receive intervention as soon as possible. Children do not outgrow Autism but studies have shown significant improvement with appropriate intervention. Here is a brief list of signs to look for in the children in your life:
- Lack of or delay in spoken language
- Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g.,hand-flapping, twirling objects)
- Little or no eye contact
- Lack of interest in peer relationships
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Resistance to change
- Difficulty in expressing needs, using gestures or pointing instead of words
- Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled
- Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
- Uneven gross/fine motor skills
If you recognize any of these signs, the best thing to do is to consult your pediatrician right away for a futher assessment. If you would like to learn more about Autism and other disorders that fall under the Autism Spectrum or if you like to make a donation to support autism education, awareness, and research, please visit:
Autism Society of America or Autism Speaks
So, we know you may be tired of hearing about tummy time. However, we can't stress enough it's importance. These 5 activites will allow you to start tummy time early (even just a few days old) so your baby becomes used to it earlier and therefore, may not complain as much when placed in the position during later months. The greater tolerance for tummy time, the more likely your child will develop appropriate neck, trunk, and gluteal (bottom) strength and weight shifting/trunk rotation abilities necessary for progression to other milestones. Many resources still say to start tummy time around 3-4 months of age. However, as long as your baby is supervised under your watchful eye and you have not been told otherwise by your doctor, it is okay to start tummy time at just a few days old. 