| A lot of time and research is being put into learning | | | | problems that their child may have and help them to |
| about development in children with autism, because | | | | get the services for necessary intervention. There are |
| unfortunately, the number of children who are | | | | certain signs for parents of autistic children to look for. |
| developing symptoms of autism is increasing. | | | | Does the child respond to their name when spoken by |
| However, children who are autistic do not all show the | | | | a parent or caregiver? Most babies are responsive to |
| same developmental delays, such as impaired social | | | | familiar voices calling their names and will respond with |
| skills, nor do the delays show up at the same times. | | | | a look or a smile. Does your child imitate other people? |
| Most autistic children start showing their first signs | | | | Children love to mimic movements, such as sticking out |
| before they reach the age of 3. | | | | their lounges and making waving movements. If a child |
| Physicians are very hesitant to diagnose a child as | | | | is not showing signs of doing this, then it may not be |
| being autistic when they are very young. This is mostly | | | | time to panic, but it also might be autistic behavior that |
| because children develop differently and can exhibit | | | | you should mention to your child's physician. |
| different types of behavior at different stages. | | | | It is always important to let your physician know if you |
| There are times when children are given "behavior | | | | think that your child is experiencing any signs of |
| labels" too early and this can cause reduced | | | | developmental delays, especially if you think that those |
| expectations for the child, as well as restricting them | | | | delays could be linked to autistic behavior. Be aware |
| from enjoying opportunities and experiences that | | | | that the physician may not want to do testing at a |
| would be afforded to a "normal" child. This is why | | | | very early age. If this is the case, yet the child |
| many physicians tend to wait before they label children | | | | continues to exhibit the delays, then speak to the |
| with autism issues. | | | | physician again. |
| While it is important not to diagnose a youngster as an | | | | Ask for materials and information about children with |
| autistic child too early, because of the possibility of | | | | autism, and do some extra research on this disorder. |
| error, it is also important not to miss certain symptoms | | | | The key is to make sure that the doctor understands |
| of this disorder and therefore not diagnose it at all, | | | | your concerns and begins to share them with you. If |
| which could be completely detrimental to the child. | | | | your family doctor seems to have no interest in testing |
| Early detection will allow parents to address the | | | | your child, then it may be time for a second opinion. |