How do you know a child has autism - Early signs in babies 3, 7 and 12 months
Οι γονείς μπορούν μερικές φορές να ανιχνεύσουν πρώιμα σημάδια της διαταραχής του φάσματος του αυτισμού σε μωρά κάτω των 12 months.
Watching your baby grow is an unforgettable experience. But while each child develops on his own level, but when it does not show the corresponding signs of growth by age, then a doctor's advice should be sought.
How do you know a child has autism?
Some parents recognize the signs of autism spectrum disorder when their baby is around 6-12 months - and maybe even earlier, says Thomas Frazier, Ph.D, clinical psychologist, autism researcher and lead researcher at Autism Speaks.
What is Autism?;
Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects social skills such as gambling., learning and communication. Individual cases of autism fall into a range ranging from mild to severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that autism affects 1 in 54 children today.
Doctors do not know exactly what causes autism, but is believed to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Some circumstances also increase a child's chances of developing autism. For example, "If you have a brother with autism, the risk to you increases to approx 20% average", says Dr.. Frazier. Other risk factors include premature birth, the low birth weight, complications of childbirth and old age of the parents.
Signs of autism in babies
Some parents recognize the signs of autism when their child is 6-12 months, depending on the symptoms and their severity. How do you know a child has autism?;
"Pay attention to whether or not the baby reacts to social information and the environment. In the first year of life, babies start chattering and using gestures like pointing ”, says Dr. Frazier, adding that babies can also smile at their parents and caregivers. "Babies' sounds and noises should also have some social function because they try to communicate with parents".
Babies with autism sometimes fail to communicate through sounds or gestures and may not respond to social stimulation..
Here are some other early signs of autism.
Signs of autism in 3 months
- They do not follow moving objects with their eyes : "Babies at high risk for autism do not follow their parents as they move in their field of vision", says Dr. Frazier. "A blanket can" intrigue "them more".
- They do not respond to loud noises.
- They do not catch or hold objects.
- They do not smile at people .
- They do not talk.
- They do not pay attention to new faces.
Signs of autism in 7 months
- They do not turn their heads to find out where the sounds are coming from.
- They do not show love for their parents
- They do not laugh or scream.
- They do not catch objects.
- They do not smile on their own.
- They do not try to attract attention with actions.
- They are not interested in games.
Signs of autism in 12 months
- They do not compass.
- They do not say a word.
- They do not use gestures, nor shaking their heads.
- They do not point to objects or images.
- They can not stand when they are supported.
It is important to note that these criteria are not convincing evidence of autism. "These are just signs we are looking for to determine if we need to further evaluate the baby.", says Mandi Silverman, Psy.D, MBA, director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute . Another social or developmental factor may be to blame.
My child has signs of autism - Now what;
If your child has signs of autism, Dr. Frazier advises you to schedule a visit to your pediatrician immediately. You will discuss developmental concerns and your doctor will assess your baby for autism. "We have evidence that suggests that you can get a diagnosis as soon as possible, the earlier you can have developmental and behavioral interventions ", says Dr. Frazier.
Early intervention is intended to help your baby cope with the symptoms of autism and possibly even reverse it.. As your child gets older, the intervention may include speech therapy , occupational therapy, mental health counseling and anything else experts believe will help your child. The ultimate goal is "to make the symptoms more manageable and to enhance their quality of life as much as possible", says Dr. Silverman.
Source: parents.com
