Identifying Autism Early

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also known as autism, is one of the most frequently diagnosed developmental disorders. Current estimates are that around 1 in 150 children has an autistic spectrum disorder. Right now, the main emphasis in the field is on early detection and intervention. Child psychologists are working towards a set of criteria to identify many autistic children from ages 14-36 months, much sooner than children are typically identified. Working in the field of early intervention, I have seen the difference that early detection and help can make for a child. The earlier that an ASD is detected, the sooner that the child (and his or her family) can get the help that they need. Some of the earliest signs of autism are abnormalities in initiating communication, irregular or repetitive play, an absence of shared attention, low receptive language skills.

When typically developing children want something, they will usually initiate some sort of conversation with a parent or caregiver in order to get what they want. This can be as simple as making eye contact, vocalizing the request, pointing at something, or pulling the parent towards the desired item. Young children with autism tend to have difficulty initiating this conversation. They might whine, cry, or scream without being able to communicate what it is that they want. This is very frustrating for the child, as well as for the parent.

Young children with autism often play in repetitive ways. An autistic child might want to watch the same segment of a movie over and over, and the child might scream if the movie is turned off. He may bang a spoon on the table instead of eating with it, or spend hours contentedly watching patterns of light and shadow. The child may line blocks up against the wall instead of stacking them into towers, or line up cars instead of racing them. Autistic adults report that activities like this are relaxing, in the same way that other adults would find working a crossword puzzle or reading a book relaxing.

Shared attention, as it relates to child development, means that a child and caregiver are focusing on the same object or idea. If a parent points at a bird outside, the child looks where the parent is pointing. They are both focused on the same object (the bird), and can have an exchange about what they see. Young children with autism often miss these shared interactions and learning opportunities because of difficulties reading body language. If a parent points at a bird outside, the autistic child might not look, and she misses the chance to share communication.

Young children with autism usually have difficulty with receptive language, that is, understanding what they hear. The child may not look when his name is called, or may not be able to follow simple instructions. He might not pay attention to speech until the parent or caregiver is frustrated and yelling. It is important to note that the young child with autism might not be ignoring you- due to his receptive language difficulties he really doesn't understand what you're saying.

If your young child is showing these signs to a degree that it affects your home life, and you're concerned about autism, the first step is to talk to your pediatrician. He or she will help determine if you should seek an evaluation, since only a doctor can give an official diagnosis of autism. While it is entirely possible that your child is perfectly typical, the "wait and see" approach is currently losing favor, due to the number of children who are ultimately diagnosed after parents express their concern.