Signs A Child Has Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that affects a child's nervous system and growth and development. 1 in 59 U.S. children are diagnosed with autism, according to the CDC. The signs of autism can be quite subtle and may begin to appear as early as six months of age.

Autism, While the cause of autism remains a mystery, doctors now know that early treatment makes a dramatic difference in long-term outcomes.

"Without question, early intervention is key. It helps children with autism improve their speech and their social skills as older kids and adults," says Lisa Gold, MD, a pediatrician at Franciscan Physician Network Crown Point Pediatric Health Center.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

A developmental disorder characterized by social and communication difficulties, autism is typically diagnosed during childhood and often shows up during a child's first 3 years of life.

Autism spectrum disorder is a deficit in social communication, social interaction and repetitive or restricted patterns of behavior, interests and activities.

"ASD is a spectrum, meaning some children are extremely disabled while others are able to attend school in standard classrooms and even excel in certain areas," said pediatrician Francine Pearce, MD, of Specialty Physicians Of Illinois Tinley Park Pediatrics, and an independent physician who chooses to practice at Franciscan Health." However, all those within the spectrum struggle with social interaction and communication.

What Are The Early Signs Of Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder can be diagnosed at any age, however, autism is said to be a "developmental disorder" because symptoms generally appear in the first three years of life.

These early signs of autism spectrum disorder include:

• Poor eye contact, visual fixations and lack of babbling by 6 months
• No pointing or gestures by 12 months
• No single word spoken by 16 months
• No pretend or symbolic play by 18 months

Almost all children who are ultimately diagnosed with autism show some of these signs by the age of 18 months.

Behaviors to watch for

It's important for parents to know the early warning signs as being able to spot autism signs early - and get the appropriate treatment - can help your child lead a more normal life.

Ask yourself, does my baby or toddler:

• Make eye contact?
• Smile and laugh?
• Look up or respond to his name?
• Babble or point in an effort to communicate?

Ask yourself, does my older child:

• Withdraw from physical affection?
• Lack interest in being with other kids?
• Become fixated on a small part of an object?
• Need things lined up or arranged in a certain order?
• Show repetitive behavior like flapping hands or twirling objects?

"We are striving to diagnose the patient as soon as a physician or parent feels there are warning signs for it. The sooner the better," says Dr. Gold.

How Is Autism Diagnosed?

Pediatricians perform an autism screening at the nine-month wellness visit. This involves asking questions and having a discussion with parents about their child's development.

At the 18-month or two-year exam, pediatricians provide a more in-depth autism screening. Usually this involves parents completing a questionnaire about their child.

Early intervention for autism improves outcomes, so the moment you suspect that your child may be responding differently, see your pediatrician.

Dr. Gold urges parents to let their pediatrician know if they sense something is wrong.

"We only spend 10 to 15 minutes with a child during a well-child visit," Dr. Gold said. "So if parents feel their child is exhibiting symptoms of autism, it's important for them to share their concerns with their child's pediatrician right away."

Your pediatrician may request examinations to rule out hearing and speech issues and check your child's lead level, any of which may cause the differences you are seeing.

If these potential causes are ruled out, the next step is to arrange an appointment for your child with a developmental specialist.

Medical providers involved in the evaluation process may include a behavioral pediatrician, pediatric neurologist and/or a psychologist.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that the number of symptoms and their severity can vary. A child with several autistic symptoms is likely to be diagnosed earlier. But a diagnosis could be delayed if:

• A parent doesn't bring up concerns
• The child doesn't meet all the criteria of an autism screening
• The child isn't referred for further evaluation at the beginning of one symptom
• It takes a culmination of less-obvious symptoms to point to autism

How Is Autism Treated?

Each child with autism spectrum disorder needs his or her own special treatment program. This is because children with ASD can vary a lot in how much help they need.

Treatment for autism spectrum disorder includes:

• Behavior change programs. These programs teach social skills, movement skills, and thinking (cognitive) skills. They can help a child change problem behavior.
• Special education programs. These focus on social skills, speech, language, self-care and job skills.
• Medicine. Some children need medicine to help treat some of the symptoms of ASD.
• Intensive pediatric physical therapy. Speech therapy and developmental therapy can help children learn how to speak, make eye contact and engage with others.

Your child and your family need to see a mental health provider. This provider can give you parent counseling, social skills training and one-on-one therapy. This provider helps you find the treatment programs that are best for your child. Parents in Indiana and Illinois have resources they can access. Your pediatrician can help guide parents toward the correct resources.