Several years ago Autism is not a common problem occurring in 1 in 1000 children. Now it is estimated to be 1 to 166. It is more common than diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and leukemia in children. The cause of Autism is not yet known and probably difficult to know.
There is no treatment for Autism. However, there are many programs trying to help reduce the signs of Autism.
Most children are diagnosed to have Autism between 2 to 3 years old when their language development is lagging.
Most experts in Autism believe that early recognition of the signs of Autism is important for a better result. The role of parents and primary care physicians is to identify children with signs of Autism as early as 12 to 18 months old.
Here are some signs of Early Autism.
1. Persistent, prolonged crying or "colic" after 4 months old.
2. Rolling over from back to front like a log instead of a normal corkscrew roll over.
3. Very delayed sitting up and when sitting up and when he falls, he does not brace the fall with his arm.
4. Do not smile and look at the parent's face during animated plays and interaction from 4 months old.
5. When crawling at 9 to 10 months old, he crawls like a "wounded soldier" using his elbow to move forward. Some infants use their butt to crawl forward.
6. Do not babble any syllable at 12 months old.
7. Do not play "pee-a-boo" at 12 months old.
8. Not using his index finger to point at objects at 12 months old.
9. Do not understand "no" and other simple request at 12 months old.
10. Frequent flapping of the arms with many of the above signs.
An infant with many of these signs and symptoms should be evaluated in a University Hospital with a Developmental Specialist.
copyright 2005 Leo Leonidas
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