Brock B. Winfrey's
Web Page
Autism a Fast Growing Disability in the USA
Facts and statistics
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EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM
| A typical history is a failure to develop, or a regression in the development of language. The majority of families report normal development during the first year. In retrospect they may recall certain sensitivities to touch, movement, light, and sound, which became more severe later. They may also recall some delay in gesture communication, such as "waving bye-bye", or playing peek-a-boo, however these symptoms were not sufficient to cause alarm for most families. Some parents feel, however that they always had an uneasy feeling, yet were reassured by doctor's and other family members. In some history's there are reports of severe colic, severe sensitivities, and poor eye contact since infancy. |
| When symptoms are
absent or minimal in the first year, families report significant changes
in behavior during the second year. Language that was developing,
suddenly or gradually stops. Parents report they will hear a word, never
to hear it again. Words and phrases that were well established fade
away. There is often a change in eye contact and level of engagement.
Play becomes aimless or repetitive in nature. Often sensory
sensitivities emerge or become more severe. Behavior often becomes more
rigid or inflexible. The children may become very upset if there is a
change in routine. Temper tantrums often become more frequent and severe
in nature as the child has no language to communicate their needs. There
is often a change in eating habits as the children become increasingly
picky and limited in what they will eat. Another significant history is of frequent ear infections and antibiotic use. Although this is observed in a majority of the children, there are children who present with the above disorder without any history of ear infections or antibiotic use. |
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Links that may help you with your child disability:
National Alliance for Autism Research