Learn About Autism

The first step to getting the services you need is learning more about autism. As a provider that focuses on those who are on the autism spectrum or who have similar disabilities, we believe that education is an important step. All of those who have autism have distinct strengths and abilities. Autism, or the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), includes a variety of conditions that focus on having difficulties in social environments, repetition of behavior, speech problems, and non-verbal communication skills.

Autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified all have similar symptoms that make it hard for children to succeed in a number of ways. Due to their similarity, all of these conditions were merged in 2013 into Autism Spectrum Disorder by the American Psychiatric Association.

The symptoms that people experience as part of the ASD are varied and they range in level of intensity. It is believed that a number of factors from genetics to the environment can work to cause the disorder.

The Signs Of Autism – Important Autism Information

Obvious symptoms of autism start to display around the age of two but they can sometimes be seen earlier. Specific symptoms may even be able to be identified earlier than 18 months. The earlier that you start treatment for the disorder, the more effective treatment is.

Look for the following signs to help determine if you child has autism:

• At six months: Limited or no eye contact and social smiles are not directed toward people
• At nine months: Smiles are not shared, there is no shared non-verbal communication, nor is their shared vocal communication
• At one year: A lack of babbling, no response to the use of the child’s name, and no response to non-verbal communication
• At sixteen months: No development of words
• At two years: No meaningful phases of two or more words

At any age you may notice the following:

• Avoids eye contact with others
• Delayed development of non-verbal communication
• Delayed language development
• Does not understand the feeling of others
• Heavy focus on routine
• Loss of developed social skills
• Loss of previously developed communication skills, including babbling
• Performs behaviors repetitively
• Reduced or restricted interests
• Responds strongly to sensory input
• Spends time alone

General Facts About Autism

• The CDC believes 1 in every 68 children in the US has autism
• 1 in every 42 boys has autism
• 1 in every 189 girls has autism
• Those who have autism are more likely to have intellectual disabilities, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, sleep problems, anxiety, and phobias
• ABA therapy has been proven to improve the quality of life for those with autism

At Children’s Wellness we are experienced in the care of those on the autism spectrum. To learn more about autism and the proper treatment, contact us at 305-310-4245 or you can email us. We serve the South Florida area.