Now, with more children being diagnosed with autism, many parents are curiousas to the symptoms and characteristics of the disorder. The Diagnostic andStatistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-III outlines the diagnostic criteria forautism. Autism is a brain disorder characterized by impaired socialcommunication and interaction as well as restricted or repetitive behaviors.Parents typically notice these symptoms within the first 2 years of a child’s life.The main hallmark of autism is impaired socialinteraction. While in typical development,children seek out interaction with others,children with autism can either fail to beresponsive to others or develop normally andthen regress to becoming less responsive tothose in his/her environment. It is common forchildren with autism to have poor eye contact aswell as difficulty understanding others emotions.Restricted or impaired communication is another characteristic of autism. Oftenchildren with autism have little or no verbal communication. They might haveimmediate echolalia or pronoun confusions. They can also have abnormal speechproduction, such as a high-pitch or monotone voice. Their nonverbalcommunication is also impaired, including their eye gaze, pointing, and gesturing.01 . 19 . 12Autism Spectrum DisordersPosted in Autism, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy
Repetitive movements is another characteristic common in children with autism.This could include rocking, hand flapping, spinning, or head banging. They canalso have a restricted range of interest, such as lining up objects or spinning thewheels of a car.Like many disorders, children can exhibit a wide range of symptoms, and autismfalls under a group of developmental disorders known as autism spectrumdisorders (ASD). Parents should have their child evaluated by a professional ifthey see any of the following signs:Difficulty making friends or interacting with peersDifficulty making conversation with others or taking turns in conversationLack of social play and symbolic play or exhibits abnormal playAbnormal language form or contentPreoccupation with parts or certain objectsMarked lack of awareness of the feelings of othersDifficulty with transitions or strict adherence to routinesChildren with autism exhibit a wide range of behaviors including echolalia,idiosyncratic language, fascination with mechanical objects, or unusual motorbehaviors. They have marked impairments in communication and should be seenby a speech-language pathologist trained in working with those with autism toimprove their ability to interact with others in their daily lives.Please visit us at Speech & Occupational Therapy of North TexasRelated ArticlesDecember 17, 2019Family Support forChildren & Adolescents
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