subject: Your Autistic Youngster [print this page] You've just received the news that your child has been diagnosed with autism. You may not even know just what that means and you will have to ask your physician to explain it to you. He or she will let you know that it's a neurological disorder that strikes children between the ages of one and 3. While some children seem to develop normally up to a particular age, they frequently regress to the earlier years of development.
Kids with autistic tendencies are usually withdraw from any forms of social interactions involving kids their own age, siblings, as well as parents. They seem to prefer their own company, and see no need for communication. They will be content to stare at an object for hours on end, and often become quite fixated on that object. They've no desire to talk, even if the language was developed normally at a younger age.
They probably will not respond whenever you call them by name or try to interact with them. It's as if you're invisible to them. They've no empathy for other people, and in fact may see other individuals as objects. You will discover that the autistic kid refuses to make eye contact with you or others. They may be inclined to making repetitive actions again and again, such as rocking back and forth. Specific phrases will seem to get stuck in their memory and you may find yourself hearing the same group of words the entire day, if the child does speak.
Autistic kids in addition possess no concept of what may put them at risk or in danger. Something like fire will do nothing to frighten them or make them conscious that it can harm them. In reality, they are usually inclined to self injury, and seem to draw delight from harming themselves. Hitting one's head consistently against the wall or the rails of the crib will have absolutely no effect on them. It's just another manifestation of the illness. Parents are devastated at seeing their child behave this way and are at a loss as to what to do.
Your kid may be completely passive one minute, and erupt into a shrieking temper outburst the next. You won't know what caused it, and in reality, it may have been nothing in particular. This is just the way autism strikes some children. They cannot control their behavior and are not doing this on purpose. It is frightening to you, being a parent, and can leave you feeling helpless. Medical intervention is often needed.
If you observe that your kid isn't behaving or developing at a normal rate, see a specialist. The earlier autism is treated the greater the possibility is of your child being able to function normally. Physical therapy, speech and occupational programs have had positive results in the continuing treatment of autistic children. Help is available if you don't try to push the issue as
