Some Basic Facts About Autism and Related Developmental Delays

Autism disorders affect children as early as six months of age and are apparent by seven years of age. Children with autism experience the world differently than the rest of us. They see things differently. They learn things differently. They will even communicate differently. It is especially important to understand this. These children are often ostracized within the community because most people just don't understand what they are experiencing. These children are not sick, they are not less intelligent than the rest of us, but they are simply different.

These disorders involve trouble dealing with social situations and interacting on a social level. However, this is the main symptom of autism present themselves in pair or groups, this is the determinant for diagnosing the difference in most cases. Even children diagnosed with autism present the disorder differently. Children with developmental delays and autism related syndrome simply lack the ingrained intuition needed in social situations. They are unable to read body language, emotional cues, as well as environmental ones. They dislike changes in their routine and this can present them as stubborn and willful, argumentative and unmanageable. This is where patience from their parents and teacher becomes a mandatory part of their life.

If diagnosed young, children with autism can be taught the necessary skills needed in dealing with everyday life. Keep in mind that they are never going to handle it the way other people do and depending on the severity of their symptoms, they may always need a caregiver of some sort. Still, the goal is to help such children deal with their life, learning experiences. It is equally important for people surrounding them be as comfortably and well-adjusted as possible. Placing them in an educational environment specifically geared towards children with autism and other developmental disorders is the first step in this helpful therapy.

Children with these disorders need to feel that they are still loved. Even if they don't show affection in the normal way, compassion, nurturing, and love is still felt and the lack of such emotional contact can leave the child feeling even more anti-social, depressed, and lonely. This is dangerous to any child's well-being and especially that of a child with autism. Due to certain physical characteristics such as odd facial expressions, children with this disorder are often bullied and picked on by other kids their age. So, while it is necessary for such children to interaction with people and children in social situations, it may be beneficial for most of their time to be spent in an environment of understanding and acceptance.

The world needs to be taught a few things as well, not just these children. We need to begin to see them as a part of our society not as a stigma. Parents should be teaching their children the values of acceptance, patience, kindness and compassion for those different than themselves. It takes the cooperation of both sides to achieve peace.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

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