Autism 101 By Utah Based Autism Journeys

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that typically appears within the first three years of life. Autism is one of five disorders falling under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Individuals falling under this umbrella exhibit impairments in their ability to communicate and interact with others in varying degrees. Autism affects all individuals differently. There is a common phrase in the autism community… If you’ve met one individual with autism, you’ve met one!

This is why autism therapy and autism treatment needs to be matched to the “one”.

Common autism characteristics may include:

Little or no eye contact
Insistence on sameness, difficulty with change or transitions
Limited verbal communication, often relying on gestures instead
Echolalia- repeating words or phrases in place of typical, responsive language
Difficulty connecting with others
Aloof manner, appears to prefer to be alone
Odd patterns of play and conversation
Obsessive attachment to objects and/or fixation on parts of objects
Consistent spinning of objects or self
No fear or recognition of danger
Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
Lack of spontaneous or imaginative play
Repetitive mannerisms (e.g., hand flapping, tongue clicking, muscle tightening, etc.)
Often unresponsive to verbal cues; parents often worry the child may be deaf
Over-active or under-active physical activity
Laughing or crying for no apparent reason or in inappropriate situations
Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to touch; light touch may appear painful, deep pressure may be soothing, or vise versa

Individuals on the spectrum may be severely or mildly affected. It is unlikely that individuals with autism will possess all of these characteristics. This list is not intended to identify autism. If a child possesses multiple characteristics, further testing by an appropriate team of professionals with an understanding of autism spectrum disorders should be conducted to confirm, or rule out, an autism spectrum disorder.

Visit www.redflags.com for additional at risk indicators.