Typically, children are diagnosed with Autism between the ages of 2-4 years; however the symptoms of Autism can be detected as early as 6 months of age.

Early possible symptoms

Early possible symptoms could include: not making eye contact with parents, not cooing or babbling, not responding when you play the peek-a-boo game with them and not smiling when parents smile at them. These, of course, are the very early symptoms of Autism. It is important to note that there could be other reasons for a developmental delay or they could be just a little behind at this stage but will catch up over time.

Other symptoms as getting older

As the child becomes older, there are other areas that you should be aware of: if they have not made any attempt to speak after 15 months and they are not pointing, waving or grasping in addition if they do not respond when their name is called.

They seem to be indifferent to others, in other words, they don't seem to really take notice of other people around them. Repetitive body movements such as rocking and hand flapping, they also become fixated on one particular object or item, especially one that spins.

Frustration and routine

By 24 months, children who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder or one of the other pervasive development disorders, may still not speak or put together two word phrases. The hand flapping may become more frequent, often become more agitated when their routine is broken or altered i.e. they become upset when you choose to take them for a walk in the park and decide on a different direction to walk.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as its name states is a disorder and each child who has Autism will be on a different level on the spectrum. Therefore, not all symptoms or signs will be the same for all children.

Symptoms are as unique as each child

For example, we have two children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, however, the difference is based the types of symptoms they have shown. Our son was non-verbal and did plenty of hand flapping and when standing, he was moving almost in a jumping motion when excited.

Routine is the key word

He also became very upset when his routines were changed. He also was lining up his toys and other items rather than playing with them in a typical manner.

Our daughter who is on the borderline Autism rating scale has shown different signs of Autism. She will lie on her back and stomp her feet repetitively. Unlike our son, she was playing with her toys in a more typical manner and would not be as upset with routine changes.

They are quite opposite in other ways as well. Our daughter is the life of the party while our son, till this day, still is very shy of new people.

When in doubt...

If you feel your child has the symptoms of Autism then it is imperative that you immediately make an appointment with your family doctor to discuss your concerns. Many parents have worried that it would be labeling their child if they seek a professional opinion. Do not waste time here.

Early intervention

Children with Autism need to receive early intervention programs such as: speech language pathologist, behavior therapy and child development therapy. If a doctor tells you to wait one year to see if they will catch up in development, then by all means seek a second or even third opinion if necessary.

Waiting to be diagnosed can be very costly. In order for the child with ASD to reach their potential, they need to get therapy as soon as possible.

Every child with Autism Spectrum Disorder has the potential to achieve great things. Early intervention will help them achieve this.