Signs of Autism

With all the recent publicity of Autism in the news you might be wondering what are the signs of Autism. Here are a list of signs that can be associated to Autism. If you see these signs in your child speak to their doctor about having them evaluated. The sooner that Autism is discovered the better the chances are at treating it.

1. Does not reach developmental milestones on time. Each child develops differently. Some children will crawl at four months while others will not until they are several months older. This can be perfectly normal. The problem starts when every milestone is much later than usual. If your child is not meeting the developmental stages talk with their doctor.

2. Child does not talk. Children learn to talk at different ages. Some will start talking very young while others will just start blurting out whole sentences one day. This can be very normal. However if your child does not have any babbling type talk by the age of one this could be a cause for concern. Most children will says some words by the time they are sixteen months. If your child is not ask their doctor if they think an evaluation is necessary.

3. No eye contact. Most babies and children will look at you when you are talking to them. Autistic children will often not give you eye contact. It will appear they are looking off into a daze instead of paying attention to you. They will not point to objects. They will not look at something you are trying to show them. Instead they look past it.

4. Child does not show emotion. Autistic children often do not show any emotion. They do not smile back when a person smiles at them. They do not show any cares when someone around them is expressing pain, or crying. The Autistic child does not usually like to be held or cuddled. They will not reach up for their parents to hold them.

5. Likes to play by their self. The Autistic child usually will play alone. They feel more comfortable being by them self. They have a hard time making friends. They do not know how to relate to other kids. They do not understand when another child is joking with them. They take everything said to them literally.

6. The child loses skills the knew. The child may have learned to talk and then it seems as if they forgot how. They can learn a new skill and then a week later have no idea how to do it. Autistic children often lose skills they have learned.

These are just a few of the signs of Autism. If you notice any of them in your children talk to their doctor. All children with Autism will not have every sign. Getting them diagnosed as soon as possible will allow treatment to begin sooner. Getting your child evaluated as soon as you suspect a problem is very important. Even if there is nothing wrong it is better to be safe. The earlier treatment can be started the better for the child.

My Child is Autistic-and I don't Know what to Do...

Discovering your child has autism may be a distressing ordeal, and unfortunately, time is of the essence. As a parent, you do not have the time to consider why or how this happened, only what to do next. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone in your struggle. By researching the disorder and finding others going through similar situations, you can help you child while still dealing with your own emotional response.

Join a support group for parents with autism. You can find these by contacting the national Autism Society of America. From there you can find local branches, many of which offer support groups for parents and families with an autistic child. Being in contact with other parents in a similar situation can not only help you feel less alone, but it can provide you with a myriad of resources. A parent support group will also help point you in the direction of the best doctors, intervention programs, and workshops for both your child and your family. Find a support group for any other children you have as well. Many parents forget that they are not the only ones who must learn to live and communicate with an autistic child. By locating a support group for your other children, you can help them from acting out or acting against the autistic child by teaching them about the illness. As a parent, you must create a supportive environment for the entire family in order to properly manage your child's illness.

Consider marriage counseling if you are married. An autistic child can put serious strain on a marriage, leading to escalating arguments, neglect of each other, and even perhaps blaming each other for the situation. Marriage counseling from the very beginning can help a couple through this discovery and rough transition, and help build a better supportive environment for your children. Your marriage should not end as a result of having an autistic child, but the sad fact is that many of them do. Prevent this by using one another for support and by understanding that you may need help to deal with one another now and in the future.

Most importantly, start on the path to becoming an expert. Many times pediatricians or psychiatrists are not experts on autism, which can lead to improper diagnoses or incorrect treatment options. As your child's best advocate, you must know everything you can about autism. Parents of Autistic Children can be a great resource; this organization offers training and workshops. The ASA has a newsletter and also offers a variety of information, from diagnosing to treating. As always, remember that a support group of parents with autistic children can always provide you with books and research that focus on the reality of the situation. Educate yourself and those around you to provide the most beneficial things for your child-love and guidance.

Asperger's Syndrome in Laymen's Terms

A child or an adult can exhibit signs or symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome at any time in life that are attributed to other things such as being absent minded, awkward physically, brilliant but eccentric or socially inept. Many children are said to have a language of their own and eventually are diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. They may indeed have a wonderful vocabulary but do not understand the pragmatics of communicating that language. Individuals who have Asperger's syndrome are said to be clumsy. Individuals with this syndrome may avoid gazing directly at someone even in greeting. Children with this syndrome may have difficulty in social situations but can learn how to act socially over time. Adults who have this syndrome may experience difficulty with relationships, family life and being able to be comfortable in social situations for business or pleasure but they can learn to live happy and productive lives adapting to the syndrome and with therapy and certain medications.

The syndrome was named for a Viennese physician, Hans Asperger. He published a paper describing the pattern of behaviors witnessed of boys who had normal IQs and language development, but who were thought to be autistic in behavior with marked social and communicative deficiencies. In 1994 professionals recognized Asperger Syndrome and parents finally had a name for what they experienced in their children.

Common characteristics of individuals with this syndrome are deficiencies in social skills, difficulties when it comes to changes and they often have obsessive routines and are preoccupied with one subject of interest. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome tend to have difficulty reading nonverbal cues of communication often referred to as body language. They can also have difficulty determining proper body space and can be overly sensitive to sights, smells, sounds and tastes. They will also have preferences for things that are soft, for certain foods, and can be agitated by certain sounds or by lights that others around them are not bothered by. Those with this syndrome are often teased as children for being "odd" and adults are accused of being eccentric. Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome can be extremely literal and have difficulty using language in a social context.

Asperger Syndrome is currently considered to be an autism spectrum disorder and is often described as being High Functioning Autism. Still, others describe the pattern of behaviors as a Nonverbal Learning Disorder. Many individuals are misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed.

Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome usually have normal IQ ranges, in fact many show exceptional skill or talent in certain areas, so they can achieve high levels of achievements but experience difficulties in social situations or in making transitions or changes in work or home life. Individuals who have Asperger's Syndrome prefer to have stability in their lives and shy away from situations that would necessitate change.

Kindergarten for the Child with Asperger's Syndrome

When the hurdle of preschool is overcome, parents may feel confident that their youngster will be well equipped to also handle kindergarten. Unfortunately, they fail to realize that the main reason why the child was able to do well in preschool is the fact that they, as parent advocates, took the initiative to work with the teachers and playground supervisors to create an environment for the child in which she or he could thrive. Once kindergarten comes around, it is tempting to assume that all is well and the child requires no further help. In addition, there is the back of the mind hope that the child is now somehow in control of whatever effects Asperger’s Syndrome is having and therefore no further intervention is required by the parents.

Kindergarten for children with Asperger’s Syndrome is therefore usually one of the most unpleasant experiences while for parents it is the watershed moment that alerts them to the fact that Asperger’s Syndrome is a forever diagnosis and not something that comes and goes. In this sense, kindergarten is a most important part in the life of a family where Asperger’s Syndrome has been diagnosed. On the other hand, for the child whose parents realize early on that the diagnosis will not go away, this might be a most useful school year to help them prepare for the years that lie ahead.

As the child deals with Asperger’s Syndrome on a daily basis while also maturing physically and socially, the teacher must be made aware that environmental stresses may result in adverse reactions to the learning environment. If not nipped in the bud, no amount of discipline will help the child to reverse course and integrate well into the classroom setting. Instead, the child may actually experience the very first bouts of apathy that are closely related to the stress felt by those with Asperger’s Syndrome. It cannot be overcome simply by shaping up and making a good effort, but instead it requires the trained touch of a teacher who has the power to keep the learning environment friendly for the person with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Perhaps the single most important aspect of this attempt rests in the fact that children with Asperger’s Syndrome are quickly and easily overwhelmed and kindergarten is a lesson in change and social interaction that thrives on a large volume of information being passed on quickly. Teachers need to understand that a child with Asperger’s Syndrome can only comprehend and deal with a limited amount of input. As such, they require more time with transitions and even though speed is often of the essence, a child with Asperger’s Syndrome simply cannot work well in such an environment.

On the other hand, if a child can anticipate the change and actually work it into a routine, then it presents little problem. Skilled kindergarten teachers, and those who prepare well for their classes, have little problem with keeping on track and helping children with Asperger’s Syndrome anticipate and plan for change.

Should You Join a Support Group for Parents of Children with Asperger's Syndrome?

A new diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome can wreak havoc with the inner workings of a family. You may be tempted to become angry, get bitter, or even take out some of your frustrations on your mate or child. In this instance, a diagnosis that points to an incurable condition quite often demands the same grieving process as a death would. At the same time, there are countless new doors that can open for you and your child, but you might need some help recognizing these opportunities. This is where support groups come in.

Reasons to join a support group for parents of children with Asperger’s Syndrome are plentiful:

* Network with parents whose children also have received the Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis. They may know great doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other such locales where your child may receive better treatment than the clinics you thought of. * Find a place to voice your feelings. It would be simple to say that any parent can take the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome in a stride and not have it have some kind of adverse effect. At the same time, how you deal with your knowledge greatly influences the way the children with the condition take their diagnosis. Let it all hang out in the relative safety of the support group, but then return home with a positive attitude and an advocating spirit that will support your child all the way. * Learn ways in which to support your child. This is done on a trial and error basis, but you can cut down considerably on the amounts of errors you make simply by learning from other parents’ experiences. As a matter of fact, this might actually open the doors to some wonderful learning experiences! * Advocacy is a learned trade, and as a parent you are your child’s primary advocate in the school system and in other venues as well. Learning how to be an advocate requires finesse and will be greatly sped up by the life experiences of others. While at the onset it might appear a huge task, when broken down into smaller parts and learned from the ground up, advocating for your child in the school system really does not have to be a complicated undertaking. * Connect with parents who know how you feel. There is strength in numbers and when you can actually see that you are not alone, you are certain to take heart for the task ahead. Socializing with others who are in a similar boat can actually help you look on the positive sides of the condition and you might be able to pass on this kind of experience and knowledge to your child.

Remember that a support group made up of parents who also have children with Asperger’s Syndrome is not a cure all and will not suddenly and magically make it all better. It is, however, a tool that you can use to your and your child’s advantage and to learn how to deal with the condition

The Struggle over Body Language for the Patient with Asperger's Syndrome

It is a well known fact body language is the bane of existence for many patients suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome. Although they might work hard with family members and caregivers to work around the need for body language and also the correct interpretation of body language, it is still an area where many fall short. If you are a caregiver and find that you simply do not understand the far reaching consequences of the problem that an incorrect interpretation of body language brings with it, consider the facts associated with this form of communication.

* Body language involves hand gestures, overall carrying of one’s person, but also facial expressions. Even eye contact is governed by body language! Not having the tools needed to properly read or convey the right kind of body language and response makes regular conversing challenging. * Body language becomes a point of contention for those who cannot really understand it. This leads to insecurity in social situations. Ultimately, it may cause a patient with Asperger’s Syndrome to isolate from social setting, simply because of the fear that they may be shown inept. * There is a very real chance that a patient with Asperger’s Syndrome will display the wrong form of body language at the wrong time. This might lead to laughing at the wrong time, using an inappropriate gesture, and not combining a statement with the proper form of eye contact. This makes interactions sometimes awkward and even downright embarrassing. * The failure to show proper body language has led to some Asperger’s Syndrome patients to be considered cold and lacking in empathy. Although to a certain degree that is one symptom of the condition, it is not necessarily the condition that causes this perceived lack of empathy.

As you can see, the problem with body language has led to numerous difficulties for the average individual and although skills differ greatly between individuals, there are a good number of them who see this as perhaps the single greatest challenge in their lives. They are forever trying to affect a new, better way of communicating but fail in doing so simply because they do not understand the non verbal clues offered by those with whom they are conversing. In the same way, those with whom they are interacting also do not understand the fact that they are speaking to someone not able to respond adequately to their clues.

High school kids in particular are trying desperately to fit in, and reading body language is a crucial aspect. When it is lacking, some have reverted to an attitude made famous by Clint Eastwood. Portraying the cool and acting the part of the non emotional hero, they try to affect an exterior that is actually considered desirable because of the lack of emotion. This of course does not work in the long run and before long the individual with Asperger’s Syndrome is painfully aware that the condition makes fitting in a hard idea indeed. Parents and caregivers are urged to help the youngster with their body language.

The Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome In Your Adolescent

As your child with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) progresses into their teen years the symptoms of AS can change as your child changes. If your child was diagnosed between the ages of 4 and 11 (which is typical) and received early intervention and therapy to help him/her to cope with the symptoms of AS your child by the time they reach the adolescent years have begun to be able to learn the social skills they previously lacked, and communication although still difficult is becoming easier. The teen with AS will have trouble "reading" others while in groups at school or in recreational situations such as on sports teams. The teen with AS may be shy or even intimidated to approach other teens for fear of being seen as different from others. It may be a frustrating experience to try to fit in when social situations are so difficult to handle. Teens with AS are often immature for their age, can be too trusting or naive, which can all lead to being bullied or teased by other peers. Not being able to conform will make th e teen with AS feel isolated and soon they will become withdrawn and at risk for anxiety and depression.

This inability to make friends is however not the rule as there is one exception: kids with AS are also very honest and sticklers for following rules, which makes them, model school, "citizens". They also do not typically follow fads or conventional thinking but rather they usually are creative thinkers and they will follow their own original interests or goals, which may make them popular with certain kids who are of like mind. They may have a few friends in those individuals who value creativity, and those who march to their own beat, and are rule followers.

Your teen may experience some of the saddest and most difficult years of his/her life during the years from 12 to 17 as they face intense peer pressure and strive to overcome being different. Typically the "Aspies" as they refer to themselves become more socially isolated during these teen years despite craving friendships. These school years are when they are bullied a lot making them feel more rejected and isolated. School also becomes more demanding academically and socially during these years. The symptoms of AS can make Aspies appear as if they are rude, odd, aloof, or loners. The teen with AS will not care as much about teen fads, clothing styles, and peer group concerns that drive other teens so this makes them feel even more different. It is also during the teen years that Aspies will neglect personal hygiene, and to be unaware of current fashions making them stick out even more from the rest of the more "normal" teens.

Sometimes the teen with AS will become "stuck" in childhood likes or hobbies such as Legos instead of advancing with the rest of the age group into teenage concerns such as dating.

The lack of street knowledge and dating behaviors makes Aspie teens susceptible to unintentional sexual interest because of lack of understanding of non-verbal communications. They can become victims of sexual harassment and even date rape.

Aspies in their teens can be lead to the drug and sex scene out of frustration and their overwhelming need to fit in. The middle school and high school years are filled with change and non-routine ways such as different teachers for each subject, changing classrooms for each subject, numerous distractions, elevated noise levels, and the potential for over stimulation.