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Autism Training Center
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WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a disorder of the
brain. Symptoms of autism occur during the first three years of
life, although an individual might not receive a diagnosis until
much later. Individuals with autism have problems with
communication and socializing with others. In young children,
autism affects the development of “typical” play behaviors.
Autism is considered a developmental disorder in that some
normal developmental milestones, such as when a child says their
first words, are absent or abnormal. Autism is considered a
pervasive developmental disorder in that these developmental
differences affect many aspects of life and may last throughout
a person's lifetime. Currently, there is no one specifically
known cause of autism and no one treatment. Early special
education programs using behavioral methods have proven to be
the most helpful treatment for persons with autism.
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Early Signs of
Autism
Possible symptoms at 6 months:
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Not making eye contact with parents during interaction
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Not cooing or babbling
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Not smiling when parents smile
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Not participating in vocal turn-taking (baby makes a sound,
adult makes a sound, and so forth)
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Not responding to peek-a-boo game
At 14 months:
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No attempts to speak
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Not pointing, waving or grasping
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No response when name is called
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Indifferent to others
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Repetitive body motions such as rocking or hand flapping
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Fixation on a single object
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Oversensitivity to textures, smells, sounds
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Strong resistance to change in routine
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Any loss of language
At 24 months:
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Does not initiate two-word phrases (that is, doesn't just echo
words)
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Any loss of words or developmental skill
(Source: Rebecca Landa , Center for Autism and Related
Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore)
Additional information on early signs of autism |
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What is Autism?
Early Signs of Autism
F.A.Q.'s