Autism In The Newborn Child

When having children, new parents should be aware of common disorders that may affect their child's development, and to know how to recognize certain symptoms. Autism is a common disorder, being the most common amongst the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, or a category of disorders that are recognized by delays in the development of such functions as socialization and communication. In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about 1 in 250 births were affected, meaning that about 1.5 Americans today may have some form of autism.

Since autism is generally diagnosed within the first three years of life, parents can learn quickly whether their child is affected. As characterized by the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, autism is a neurological disorder which affects the social interaction and communication areas during brain development. Common symptoms involve the child's lack of ability to interact or communicate with others, as well as the child's ability to reason. For example, some autistic people, in having different world views from others, are able to solve certain kinds of puzzles more quickly, since they are able to view problems in different ways.
However, parents should be aware that autism may be difficult to detect in certain individuals, since it is a spectral disorder, meaning that there is no single way in which a person is affected. Some experience symptoms more strongly than others, and there are a range of other disabilities that are often found in conjunction with autism.

Additionally, researchers have not pinpointed a single cause for autism, but have instead generally accepted that abnormalities in brain structure of function are at fault, especially since brain scans show physical differences between autistic and non-autistic brains. Researchers are currently investigating possible causes, though, such as heredity, genetics, and medical problems. They are also looking into pregnancy or delivery defects, as well as environmental factors, including viral infections, exposure to environmental chemicals, and metabolic imbalances.

Researchers have also determined that individuals who have medical conditions such as tuberous sclerosis, Fragile X syndrome, congenital rubella syndrome, or untreated phenylketonuria (PKU) are at higher risk for autism. Additionally, while autism is found equally in all populations, boys are affected four times more than girls.

Since autism occurs alongside abnormal brain development, there is no cure for it. But parents may employ educational approaches and treatment that could help to reduce some of the symptoms. Education to teach self-help skills can train autistic individuals to become more independent, and intervention can help to reduce disruptive behaviors. But just as there is no single cause for autism, and since autism comes with varying degrees of symptoms and severity, no single method of treatment is suitable for all affected individuals. Once parents determine the severity of their child's symptoms, they can then learn about their treatment options, and can determine proper training and educational methods that will best benefit their child.

By: FastSubmitArticles.com

PregnancyRx cover topics from Signs of Pregnancy to Pregnancy and Eating Disorders

Signs of Autism in Infants and Toddlers

Autism is something that is attracting more attention because no one knows what is causing it and it is affecting children. However, doctors now know that if it is handled early enough, the better the chances are for the child who has autism. Infants may display some symptoms of autism as long as you know what the signs of autism in infants are. Signs are not always the same in every infant however the same symptoms are present in infants with autism.

Early signs of autism in infants include no communication. When a child is just a few months old, one of the first few milestones include babbling and cooing. However, if your child doesn't coo and babble like they should you may want to talk to the doctor. It may just mean that your child is slower at this developmental milestone and nothing needs to be done. Sometimes children coo and babble at a different age and that is okay. However, if the doctor seems to think that it is something to worry about or if your baby doesn't coo or babble by the age of two then he or she may have autism.

Other sings of autism in infants include socialization. Most infants love to sit and watch other infants. Eventually they will learn to play together and this is normal infant behavior however if your infant seems to be more withdrawn and doesn't seem interested in playing with other children then you may want to talk to their doctor. Again, it may just be a normal milestone that hasn't yet developed but making your doctor aware of these things and be the difference in early autism detection.

Yet other signs of autism in infants may include the reaction of others. One of the first milestones that mommy remembers the most is looking at her infant and smiling and seeing the baby smile back at her. However when a child has autism the baby doesn't smile back. Other signs of autism in infants include not reacting to others around them, almost like they are blocking others out. Voice tones are also something that an infant with autism will notice. A child cannot stand loud events or crowds and you may not realize it until your infant is in a crowd of people. Everyone loves babies and always comes over to talk to them, smile at them, or grab their hands. An autistic infant cannot handle this.

Regression is another sign of autism in infants. If your infant has already started babbling and cooing, and if they start saying a few words, playing games such as peek-a-boo, or loves to smile at you and then suddenly stops, you need to contact your doctor immediately as these are sure signs of autism in infants. Getting treatment now will help you manage their autism and always be in control of it. As they grow you will see changes in your child too and you will need to adjust to these changes as they have.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maxine_Wagner

Watch For These Common Signs of Autism in Infants

Signs of Autism in infants are a common time to notice this brain disorder. Often by six months a child with autism starts showing signs. Even though each child develops at their own rate various milestones happen around the same age in children. If a child has the developmental disorder, Autism, then it can be seen early in their life while mild forms might not be noticed until later, even in adulthood.

Parents notice how their children are growing and developments taking place. They also notice how other children around the same age are developing. Parents are not supposed to compare one another, but parents often can't help it. Sometimes parents become concerned if their child is delayed compared to other children in the same age group. Talking to a physician when a parent is concerned might help.

Here are some common signs of Autism in infants that should be treated as danger signs:

* No maintaining eye contact, nor smiling at parents or having happy facial expressions by the age of 6 months

* More interested in inanimate objects than in human contact

* Babies and toddlers develop an intense attachment to repetitive movements or patterns and if there is any change, they show high levels of agitation.

* Some infants have normal growth milestones till the age of 3 years and suddenly start going into regressions. be aware that a child that had started talking either loses the ability to pronounce or just stops speaking. They have a tendency to withdraw into themselves and just seem to live in their own world.

* Autistic children are highly sensitive to any of the five sense of smell, touch, taste, visual or audio senses. There is a change of behavior and that should be noticed.

The doctor will be able to notice if there is an issue or tell the parent to keep aware of things. They will let them know about normal milestones in development to notice and determine if they are meeting things properly. Again the doctor will tell the parent to not worry if the child seems behind in some areas. This is just a way to help the doctor to know what to observe and indicate some testing areas that will be important. These tests will be a way of determining if the child has Autism and if so what form of Autism. It could also be a way to find out if there is another issue.

It can be upsetting to notice signs of Autism in infants when it comes to the parents. Having knowledge of what to look for will help parents understand, if they have reason for concern or not. It will be a way to lead them to the proper tests. Notifying a doctor quickly once possible signs of Autism in infants are noticed will help them get treatment quickly. This will help them start coping quicker and treat the symptoms. There is not cure or perfect medications, but there are options that have shown to help some Autistic individuals.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maxine_Wagner

Could Early Signs Of Autism Be An Indicator Of Playing With Unusual Toys?

What are unusual toys? I believe unusual toys are toys that are abnormal, unconventional or anything out-of-the-ordinary. These are toys your child is willing to use and play with as he or she chooses, because they think it is a toy. But is it a toy? Is it an indicator of signs of autism?

I remember when my brother was an infant, pre-school age, he was interested in playing and exploring with unusual toys and objects. Some of them were considered to be dangerous and not wise for his use.

My parents, and our neighbors thought this was out-of-the-ordinary, compared to other children his age.

As my brother developed, probably around his first birthday or later, our family noticed he would rock back and forth, stare into space, do repetitious spins, pace back and forth. He would look out of the corner of his eyes and not have direct eye contact with people. No interaction with baby rattles or toys.

I am now older, I look back on the history of my brother, who was not interested in playing with objects or toys compared to what other children felt they were comfortable with. In addition, playing with toys to fit their personalities and their genders. My brother was gravitating towards unusual toys and objects for his play time.

I have often thought, could this be an indicator of a child having autism, by not associating with the toys or objects that are considered to be the highlight of other children who do not have autism?

I felt I had to know more about this perplexing situation, regarding my brother playing with unusual toys. Could this be an indicator for early signs of autism?

The number of children at the present time being diagnosed with autism, has increased tremendously. I feel it is crucial to find out what the indicators of autism might be and what can be accomplished to assist with the signs.

I have learned, you can identify autism behaviors through the use of your child playing with unusual toys.

This does not necessarily mean that your child has autism because of the use of playing with unusual toys, but it can be an indicator for you to take into consideration.

Remember, researchers are constantly doing more studies on the possibilities that there are indicators pointing to children using unusual toys. These children, may be candidates to have early stages of autism.

You, as parent(s), caregiver(s), want to be on the alert for any suspicious, out-of-the-ordinary, playing with unusual toys or objects. This could be early signs of autism and may be an indicator or clue to have your child examined by a professional who is knowledgeable about autism.

Bonita Darula's informational web sight==> http://www.autismintoawareness.com where you SIGN up and RECEIVE your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER about many Autistic TOPICS. Do you believe your child has early signs of autism because of playing with unusual toys? Find out by reading Autism Symptoms & Treatments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonita_Darula