In Support of Autism Awareness Month

I wanted to share some information with you fine people, in case you're wondering what are some signs or symptoms your child, or a child you might know may have autism.

These are a few things you might want to look out for:

Social skills

• Fails to respond to his or her name
• Has poor eye contact
• Appears not to hear you at times
• Resists cuddling and holding
• Appears unaware of others' feelings
• Seems to prefer playing alone — retreats into his or her "own world"

Language

• Starts talking later than age 2, and has other developmental delays by 30 months
• Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
• Doesn't make eye contact when making requests
• Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
• Can't start a conversation or keep one going
• May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them

Behavior

• Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
• Develops specific routines or rituals
• Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals
• Moves constantly
• May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car
• May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain

 Children with autism usually show some signs of delayed development by 18 months. If you suspect that your child may have autism, discuss your concerns with your doctor. The earlier treatment

begins, the more effective it will be.

Your doctor may recommend further developmental tests if your child:

• Doesn't babble or coo by 12 months
• Doesn't gesture — such as point or wave — by 12 months
• Doesn't say single words by 16 months
• Doesn't say two-word phrases by 24 months
• Loses previously acquired language or social skills at any age

Because I have two boys who are older than Emilio, I knew right away when something wasn't right.  The BEST piece of advice I could offer is to TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.  They will seldom FAIL YOU! 

Feel free to pass along this message to any friend who might need it.  I once met a mother who didn't seek treatment for her 8 year old son, she said she was in denial and couldn't come to terms with her only son being autistic.  Sad.  But true.