Symptoms of Early Onset Autism

Autism is a developmental disability, typically appearing sometime from birth to 3 years of age, that affects how a child interacts socially and communicates with others. In reality, autism is not a single condition, but a part of a spectrum of disorders that differ in the extent and type of symptoms. The range of areas of disability is unique to each individual with an autism spectrum disorder. While one may require assistance to complete even simple activities of daily living, another may be in gifted classes and enjoy a "typical" lifestyle. Autism is divided into two categories, based upon when and how symptoms develop: regressive autism and early onset autism.

Definition

• In cases of early onset autism, the symptoms of the disorder first become apparent to those around the child, by the time that he or she is 18 months old. Typically, symptoms are first brought to the attention of a medical professional sometime between the ages of 12 and 18 months, because this is a very important period for speech development in children. This contrasts with regressive autism, in which children appear to be developing normally for a time, and then seem to regress, losing social and communication skills.

Difficulties with Receptive Language

• Infants begin to understand the language around them long before they are able to develop words to express themselves. An obvious and pronounced lack of response to receptive language can be one sign of autism. By the age of 12 months, most children will consistently respond to their names and be able to follow very simple directions, such as "Look here" and "No."

Difficulties with Expressive Language

• Expressive language is the use of language to convey ideas to others. Children with autism often do not express any (or very limited) interest in using words to interact with people. Although speech development patterns can vary greatly from child to child, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) suggests that any child who doesn't babble or coo to others by the age of 12 months be evaluated by a professional.

Lack of Social Interaction

• Most small children thrive on their relationships with important people in their lives, and express this through hugging or patting, making eye contact and initiating interaction. However, many children with autism strongly dislike social interaction or are rather disconnected from others. Refusing to make eye contact with other people, a disinterest in involving others in play, and the appearance of preferring to be with things rather than people can all be symptoms of a social skills deficit.

Unusual Behaviors with Objects

• Children with autism frequently express greater interest in toys or other objects than in being with people. Typical behaviors of young children with autism can include: unusual attachment to toys, other objects or routines, engaging in repetitive motions---such as rocking or jumping for very long periods or playing with toys in unusual ways. A seemingly obsessive need to have things and routines in a very particular order or to complete tasks in a specific way is also a symptom of autism.