Autism Awareness and Early Treatment

No preschool child in need of mental health, developmental help or special education services should wait, go unnoticed or unserved. Autism and related developmental disorders are increasing among children throughout the U.S. and many other nations. Currently, it is estimated that one in 150 children suffer from disorders on the autism spectrum in the United States. It is important to avoid delays in getting therapy, schooling and parent guidance during early childhood. Autism awareness and early detection are essential. Here are some signs of autism you should look for in your preschooler:

Socialization:

• emotional isolation, withdrawal or aloofness
• minimal mutual gaze, lack of eye contact with others
• lack of pointing and following the pointing of others
• lack of understanding the feelings and thoughts of others
• not being attached to anyone
• rarely seeking comfort or affection or offering comfort or affection
• odd social interactions including inappropriate emotional responses
• little emotional reciprocity

Communication:

• minimal social speech, or loss of previously good vocabulary
• abnormal melody, pace, rhythm or tone of speech
• little use of gestures to communicate
• frequent echoing of others' speech
• deficient dialogue

Behavior:

• resistance to changes and to age appropriate learning
• repetitive behaviors and repetitive movements: flapping twirling or twisting
• lack of varied, spontaneous make believe or imaginative play
• treats people like utilities rather than as feeling persons

Interests:

• marked insistence on sameness
• persistent preoccupation with unusual topics without awareness of the effect on others
• persistent interest in unusual objects or nonfunctional parts of toys rather than whole toys
• disinterest in most adults and peers and lack of shared enjoyment in play
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