WARNING SIGNS OF AUTISM

The warning signs are as varied as the number of children affected by autism. There are no known biological markers or medical test to diagnose autism and the cause remains unknown. Here are three major criteria a child should exhibit for a diagnosis of autism.

There is no known biological marker or medical test to help diagnose autism. The cause: unknown.

Autism spectrum disorders are so pervasive that autism now ranks as a problem more common in the pediatric population than cancer, diabetes, or Down syndrome combined.

The signs can be dramatic, or to the untrained eyes, easy to miss. To have a diagnosis of autism, a child must exhibit three major criteria:

1. Difficulty with some kind of communication
2. Restricted and repetitive behaviors
3. Deficits in social reciprocity (disconnect)

For helpful videos that demonstrate early warning signs and red flags that parents can look out for, go to firstsigns.org. First Signs provides a thorough glossary of terms that in turn links to corresponding videos—so you can watch an at-risk child receiving a professional evaluation, for example; or click on the video link for the phrase “repetitive use of language” to see a child with ASD engage in conversation at 19 months and again when he is 4 years old.