Learn the 3 Signs of Autism - Toddlers
By Anthony Ezail Travis

It is during the toddler years when most of the cases of autism
are diagnosed. This does not mean that the disorder is prevalent
during this stage of life, but it is during this period when
most of its signs and symptoms start to show. This is when
parents should be more attentive in observing the signs of
autism. Toddlers are children who are between infancy and
childhood, which usually begin in the ages of 12 and18 months.

Autism is one of the group of disorders of neural development
commonly know as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). It is
characterized by impairment in communication and social
interaction, and by repetitive behavior.

Researchers have found in a study that the early signs of
autism are already manifested by toddlers as early as 14 months
of age. The signs vary in every individual and are still not
very noticeable.

It is very important to detect the signs of autism as early as
possible. This will give the parents, pediatricians and experts
more opportunity to diagnose children with ASD. As a result,
early interventions can be applied and thus, reducing the
negative effects of autism in a child's development. In a recent
study, it was found that early intervention programs are highly
effective in improving the IQ, language ability and social
interaction of children as young as 18 months.

The number of studies about autism is increasing by the year.
But up until now, there is still no know cure for autism. Also,
it is important to note that there are still no standardized
criteria for detecting the signs of autism. Toddlers also vary
in displaying characteristics of autism.

Here are the 3 signs of autism - toddlers:

Communication: Compared to children with normal development,
autistic children produce fewer words, sounds and gestures. They
also have a different gaze and tend to shy away from eye
contact.

Lack of interest: Being autistic is like having your own little
world. Autism impairs the social development of a person.
Children with autism appear to be disinterested in other people
and the environment. They do not respond to their own name and
you hardly ever see them smile. They also have a difficulty in
interacting with other children their own age.

Repetitive behavior: Autistic children exhibit repetitive or
stereotyped behaviors. This is one of the most obvious signs of
autism. Toddlers with autism display flapping and head-banging
even while in their cot. They like doing things in the same
routine and eats only particular food. They are also attached to
one particular toy or object. This behavior is attributed to
their difficulty in adopting changes.

Aside from these signs of autism, toddlers who have a brother
or a sister who has ASD are also more likely to be suffering
from the disorder. Experts believe that the disorder somehow has
strong genetic basis, although such theory has still no definite
proofs.

Having an autistic child should not be all that bad. An
estimated number of individuals diagnosed with ASD show
extraordinary abilities. Such talents include excellent
memorization skills, superior perception and attention to
details in arts and music and many more.

About the Author: Anthony Ezail Travis is a professional writer
and researcher about parenting. He is currently focused on
autism in children. Autism should not be a reason to burden your
family. Visit http://www.squidoo.com/autismininfants and give
your autistic child a brighter future.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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