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Autism: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Fri, 12/11/2009 - 10:20am | Karen Senft, MD

Autism—it used to be considered a rare disorder. We now know that Autistic Spectrum Disorders are very common (just over one case per 100 children). Posters and news media have raised our level of awareness, and many parents worry about the possibility that their children may be affected. But, exactly what is autism?

Autism is what we call a “neurodevelopmental disorder.” This means that a child’s brain is functioning a bit differently then that of the typical child, and that his or her development is not proceeding as expected. Children diagnosed with autism have trouble with many areas of development. There are three key areas that create difficulties for these children with autism.

The first area of difficulty is language. Not only is language delayed, it is also different. Children with autism do not understand the use of language; they have delayed nonverbal communication as well. For example, they do not point to show desire for or interest in an object. When they do talk, they often repeat (“echo”) what they have heard, sometimes reciting entire segments of favorite TV programs.

Children with autism have a very difficult time socially, often showing little interest in their peers. They may show a strong preference in being alone. It is important to note however, that many children with autism do show affection for their parents and can be great cuddlers.

The third area of difficulty lies with toy play. Children with autism do not play with toys in a representational manner (pretend). Instead, they may spend a great deal of time engaging in “stereotypes,” which are behaviors that may appear repetitive and odd to us. For instance, they may wiggle their fingers or wave an object in front of their eyes.

It is important to recognize that every child with autism is different and will show different levels of the above behaviors.

If your child has been diagnosed with autism or you suspect your child may have autism, you are likely to be frightened, angry and overwhelmed. Take a breath. Talk with your doctor, call early intervention and make contacts with local support groups. Therapies often include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapies and classroom support. Intensive programs do help and many children make substantial progress. Please remember that your child is just that, a CHILD first.
 

Comments

Wed, 02/08/2012 - 6:22pm | Marta Bengochea...
My son is now 19yr old adult my child has benefitted, improved moderately with some awareness of emotion and socially with a network of supports. The Allentown School District has increased the number of classes and schools within the District for kids with Autism-PDD, to include Asperger's Syndrome. For many years he has seen a child psychiatrist that is part of the treatment team within the school academic team, for many years he received and it is coming to an end in a couple of months mental health wraparound services (Provider 50) in the home. I am taking advantage of the ASD vocational free services to see if he can function more independently in the real world by at least getting a part time job. Now that he is an adult I find myself reseaching for an adult general practicioner and specialists that have some speciality with this population in conjunction with the network of providers that accept his HMO medical assistance insurance. My son is getting headaches, muscular pain, backaches, constipation, skin spots on his body. I want to address his headaches and muscular pain, am told to find a neurosurgeon because he had an 2 cranial bone operations within his first year of birth. Dr. Senft evaluated his developmental levels. I would like some guidance. Thanks, hope the latter info. helped you there is help out there.
Mon, 10/25/2010 - 9:32pm | Rachel
I find this is very interesting. I feel strongly that my 18 month old son has Autism. He is currently involved in early intervention for vision therapy and behavorial therapy. He is a happy child but does not speak he has about 2 words which are No and Hi. Social situations are basically unheard of for us, i have to tip toe around where i take him and usually have to explain in depth what we are walking into something as little as going to a post office is often a very difficult task. He also is starting to exhibit repeatitive behavoior such as wiping his hands together then wiping his shirt then touching his stomach and tounge thrashing both have started over the past month. He also relies on a schedule i learned very early on with him we must stick to this. I am just genrally conserned and I feel like no one will listen to me.