Q. I'm concerned that my toddler is showing early signs of autism, but friends tell I worry too much. What are the specific warning signs of autism? Why is autism so prevalent today?
A. A few generations ago, most parents didn't know what the term "autism" meant. Now it's a word that keeps many parents up at night.
While autism prevalence has jumped over the years, it's unclear just how much of this change is due to a true increase in autism rather than improvements in how we diagnose the condition.
We're still learning about autism. What we do know is that it's a complex disorder diagnosed in approximately one in 150 children. Rather than being an isolated disease, autism is a collection of brain-based disorders called "autism spectrum disorders," or ASD.
We've made great strides in the diagnosis and treatment of autism. However, we do not know the specific cause of autism. Researchers believe genetics play a major role, and environmental factors are being researched as well. There may also be other unknown or unexplored causes.
Autism as we know it was first referenced in the 1940s. Before it became an accepted diagnosis, people with autism would typically be categorized as mentally challenged or emotionally disturbed.
While many serious conditions can be identified at infancy or in the womb, signs of autism occur throughout the first three years of life. Additionally, the early signs are not always obvious to parents who aren't looking for them. On the other hand, parents who are looking for autism signs may find themselves worrying over a perfectly healthy child.
Facts about autism
• Though children cannot outgrow autism, it is a treatable condition.
• The earlier an autistic child is diagnosed and treated, the more likely the treatment will lead to significant improvements.
• Autism varies from case to case. While it can be disabling for some children, others can grow into adults who function in normal society.
• There is no evidence that immunizations cause autism. At one time, a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal was suspected to contribute to the development of autism. However, researchers did not find any link. Regardless, in 2002 thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines. Childhood immunizations continue to be a powerful tool in disease prevention.
Early warning
signs of autism
Autism affects three main developmental components: social, emotional, and communication skills. No one case is the same as the next. Symptoms can vary, as well as the severity of those symptoms.
Signs of autism may be detectable as early as 18 months, but many cases are not diagnosed until three years of age. Parents should take note if their child:
• Experiences a delay in spoken language skills or loss of skills
• Has difficulty relating to, playing with, or talking to others
• Does not "pretend" play
• Does not make eye contact
• Does not point at objects or look when others point at objects
• Avoids cuddling when reached for
• Has trouble adapting to change
• Repeats words, phrases and movements
• Displays strange routines or patterns and is resistant to change
• Is fixated on parts of objects
• Does not respond when other people smile at or speak to him/her
• Has problems expressing needs with spoken language or normal motions
• Often seems to be in his/her "own world."
For many parents, it is difficult to discern what is a normal part of a child's individual development and what is cause for concern. For instance, if a child's language skills do not develop as early as an older sibling's did, parents might worry although this is often normal. Some children might be shy or prefer to play independently more often than others.
Development and behavior can vary from child to child. Even in cases where development is delayed or behavioral symptoms are present, it might not be related to autism.
While it's a good idea to take note of your child's behavior, routines, and developmental milestones, try not to worry. Instead, keep a list of any concerns and discuss them with your child's primary care provider. He or she can offer valuable insight and recommend further evaluation and screening if needed.
- As a pediatrician, Dr. Julie Crane provides health care for children from birth through young adulthood. She received her
medical degree from Midwestern University and completed her
residency in Pediatrics at Advocate Christ/Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Dr. Crane is board-certified in Pediatrics. Special interests include adolescent medicine, preventive care, and patient education.
A. A few generations ago, most parents didn't know what the term "autism" meant. Now it's a word that keeps many parents up at night.
While autism prevalence has jumped over the years, it's unclear just how much of this change is due to a true increase in autism rather than improvements in how we diagnose the condition.
We're still learning about autism. What we do know is that it's a complex disorder diagnosed in approximately one in 150 children. Rather than being an isolated disease, autism is a collection of brain-based disorders called "autism spectrum disorders," or ASD.
We've made great strides in the diagnosis and treatment of autism. However, we do not know the specific cause of autism. Researchers believe genetics play a major role, and environmental factors are being researched as well. There may also be other unknown or unexplored causes.
Autism as we know it was first referenced in the 1940s. Before it became an accepted diagnosis, people with autism would typically be categorized as mentally challenged or emotionally disturbed.
While many serious conditions can be identified at infancy or in the womb, signs of autism occur throughout the first three years of life. Additionally, the early signs are not always obvious to parents who aren't looking for them. On the other hand, parents who are looking for autism signs may find themselves worrying over a perfectly healthy child.
Facts about autism
• Though children cannot outgrow autism, it is a treatable condition.
• The earlier an autistic child is diagnosed and treated, the more likely the treatment will lead to significant improvements.
• Autism varies from case to case. While it can be disabling for some children, others can grow into adults who function in normal society.
• There is no evidence that immunizations cause autism. At one time, a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal was suspected to contribute to the development of autism. However, researchers did not find any link. Regardless, in 2002 thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines. Childhood immunizations continue to be a powerful tool in disease prevention.
Early warning
signs of autism
Autism affects three main developmental components: social, emotional, and communication skills. No one case is the same as the next. Symptoms can vary, as well as the severity of those symptoms.
Signs of autism may be detectable as early as 18 months, but many cases are not diagnosed until three years of age. Parents should take note if their child:
• Experiences a delay in spoken language skills or loss of skills
• Has difficulty relating to, playing with, or talking to others
• Does not "pretend" play
• Does not make eye contact
• Does not point at objects or look when others point at objects
• Avoids cuddling when reached for
• Has trouble adapting to change
• Repeats words, phrases and movements
• Displays strange routines or patterns and is resistant to change
• Is fixated on parts of objects
• Does not respond when other people smile at or speak to him/her
• Has problems expressing needs with spoken language or normal motions
• Often seems to be in his/her "own world."
For many parents, it is difficult to discern what is a normal part of a child's individual development and what is cause for concern. For instance, if a child's language skills do not develop as early as an older sibling's did, parents might worry although this is often normal. Some children might be shy or prefer to play independently more often than others.
Development and behavior can vary from child to child. Even in cases where development is delayed or behavioral symptoms are present, it might not be related to autism.
While it's a good idea to take note of your child's behavior, routines, and developmental milestones, try not to worry. Instead, keep a list of any concerns and discuss them with your child's primary care provider. He or she can offer valuable insight and recommend further evaluation and screening if needed.
- As a pediatrician, Dr. Julie Crane provides health care for children from birth through young adulthood. She received her
medical degree from Midwestern University and completed her
residency in Pediatrics at Advocate Christ/Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Dr. Crane is board-certified in Pediatrics. Special interests include adolescent medicine, preventive care, and patient education.
