The Autism Society of America reports that one out of every 150 children born in the United States will develop some form of autism. The condition describes a large number of behavioral symptoms that can vary in severity. A person with autism can fit anywhere on an autism spectrum that ranges from Asperger's Syndrome to such severe developmental delays that the person may never be able to function independently, even as an adult. There are no blood tests or other objective diagnostic tools to determine if a child has autism. It is assessed using a series of questions and observations like the ones in the Childhood Autism Rating Scale.
Social Symptoms
One of the most commonly associated symptom of autism spectrum disorder is a lack of normal social skills. Children with autism often do not seem to be able to use empathy. They often cannot read other people's faces, body language or tone of voice to discern moods or emotions. They may also have difficulty identifying their own emotions. People often characterize children with autism as being "distant" or "unreachable." They often do not make eye contact with others and may exhibit extreme levels of fear or shyness in social situations.
Developmental Symptoms
Many children who have autism are slow to develop language. They may be nonverbal or have a limited vocabulary. Some children with autism who do not speak, eventually learn to communicate by pointing to pictures or signing. In addition to delays in the development of language, children with autism often experience other developmental delays. They may have very bilateral integration skills so their gait seems awkward and unbalanced. They may be unable to cross the midline of their body. Like many people with developmental delays or deficits, people with autism may find it difficult to transition from one activity to the next. In fact, any change may be overwhelming.
Behavioral Symptoms
There are several behaviors that are commonly associated with the autism spectrum disorders. They include self-destructive behaviors, such as butting the head on the floor or a wall. When this behavior is frequent and severe, the child may have to wear a helmet during the day. Children with autism often dislike being cuddled. They may employ repetitive movements like waving their fingers, walking on their tiptoes, rocking or obsessively spinning around.
Sensory Symptoms
Sensory issues can also be pronounced in children with autism. They may have huge reactions to certain colors, sounds, smells and textures. Bright lights or changes in lighting may bother them. Many children with autism have difficulty flexing between their central and peripheral visual systems and can be assisted in this, and other visual challenges, by a program of optometric vision therapy under the supervision of a developmental optometrist who specializes in binocular vision. Sometimes, other repetitive behaviors can be eliminated when the appropriate visual tools are employed. For example, Melvin Kaplin, OD. has written extensively about how wearing glasses made with base-down prisms may resolve a child's persistent toe walking in his recent book, "Seeing with New Eyes."
Considerations
Children who have autism spectrum disorder may have begun life following the normal developmental sequence, but then suddenly lose ground. This usually happens before the age of three. Because the causes of autism in children are not known, and because more children are being diagnosed with the disorder now than ever before, many people think that the disease may be triggered by substances in our environment. Others attribute it to allergic reactions to ingredients in childhood vaccinations. Some children with autism show improvement when their diets are strictly monitored to avoid sugars and artificial ingredients in prepackaged and fast foods. It is important for the parents of a child with autism to be their most informed and involved advocate. Become a member of the Autism Society of America. Read everything you can find. Explore support groups in your area. Educate your child's teachers about what you discover. Attend and be an activist for your child at the individualized educational program (IEP) meetings. Become a resource for other parents in your area as you gain information and insight about the subject.
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