Autism Spectrum Disorder can be Diagnosed at a Very Early Age
While quite a few children have delays in one developmental area or another, there are several specific signs that parents can attempt to identify as their child nears certain predetermined age milestones, as a fairly accurate means of correctly diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some areas to watch closely include motor skills, speech, spatial memory and repetitive behavior.
Around the first year of development - usually before, a baby should be showing some significant signs of activity, such as crawling and occasionally standing with a bit of support. At this point there is almost always some communication, although usually just unclear single words mixed in with baby babble. In the vast majority of instances, one-year old children do interact with others by occasionally waving goodbye, grabbing for something they’d like to have and other little gestures as well. Not all babies progress on the same time schedule, but some of the first signs of autism begin appearing at the end of the first year. These symptoms include a complete lack of eye contact or a blank look while staring into space, as well as certain well known repetitive behaviors, like rocking intensively.
Autism is often diagnosed around age two because that’s when most signs of the disorder become prevalent. Lack of eye contact and a lack of interest in others become more obvious. Any words which the toddler said previously are lost, and they stop pointing or using other forms of communication to indicate the things which they want. Other symptoms of autism include no interest in creative or pretend play and walking on tip toes. Some other unusual behaviors also start to appear, such as outbursts of hitting things and banging their heads repeatedly. There could also be some difficulty in the toddler accepting potty training.
There are situations where a baby is progressing normally and then begins showing signs of autism. For instance, a child could suddenly stop talking or begin exhibiting unusual or repetitive behaviors. Evidence of autism characteristics can begin occurring between the ages of 2 and 4. During this time, any progress in development is generally lost and signs of autism become prevalent.
Between ages 2 and 5, a number of signs of autism develop, which enable parents and physicians to better diagnose autism spectrum disorder. For instance, the child has no interest in other children or people and instead becomes fixated with certain toys, games, or objects. They are not responding to vocabulary or any language skills and they work better when there is a routine or set order. When this routine is disturbed, anger often develops. At this age, an autistic child begins developing sensitivity to sounds, touch, and certain textures. As a result of sensitivity to smell and taste, they develop fussy eating habits. Children with early signs of autism are also unable to carry on a conversation, have a poor attention span and rarely make eye contact.
Often times, a child could show mild signs of autism that become more prevalent in pre-teen years. Young teens with autism sometimes have outbursts of laughter for no reason, or outbursts of crying without cause. These are referred to as self-stimulating outbursts.
Although there is no one test to diagnose autism, doctors rely on observing the child, developmental history and conversations with the parents. With early diagnosis and intervention, children showing signs of autism can get the therapy and treatment they need to ensure a better outcome as they grow older and enter adulthood.
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