You’ve just received the news that your child has been diagnosed with autism. You may not be aware of what that means and you will have to inquire your physician to clarify it to you. He will inform you that it is a neurological condition that strikes children between the ages of one and three. While some kids appear to develop normally up to a particular age, they often regress to the earlier years of development.
Kids with autistic tendencies are often withdraw from any forms of social interactions involving kids their own age, siblings, and parents. They seem to favor their own company, and see no need for communication. They’ll be content to stare at an object for hours on end, and usually become very fixated on that object. They have no aspiration to talk, even if the language was developed normally at an earlier age.
They will probably not respond whenever you call them by name or try to interact with them. It is as if you’re invisible to them. They have no empathy for other people, and in fact may well see other individuals as objects. You will discover that the autistic youngster refuses to make eye contact with you or others. They may be given to making repetitive movements over and over, such as rocking back and forth. Specific phrases will seem to get stuck in their memory and you may find yourself hearing the same set of words the entire day, if the child does speak.
Autistic kids in addition have no idea of what may place them at risk or in danger. Something like fire can do nothing to frighten them or make them aware that it can injure them. In fact, they are usually given to self injury, and appear to draw delight from harming themselves. Hitting one’s head consistently against the wall or the rails of the crib will have absolutely no effect on them. It is just another symptoms of the illness. Parents are devastated at witnessing their child act this way and are confused as to what to do.
Your child may be totally passive one minute, and erupt into a shrieking temper tantrum the next. You’ll not know what caused it, and in reality, it may have been nothing in particular. This is just the way autism strikes some kids. They can’t handle their behavior and are not doing this on purpose. It is frightening to you, being a parent, and can leave you feeling helpless. Medical intervention is often required.
If you discover that your kid is not behaving or developing at a normal rate, see a specialist. The sooner autism is treated the greater the possibility is of your child being able to function normally. Physical therapy, speech and occupational programs have had great success in the continuing treatment of autistic children. Assistance is available if you do not try to drive the condition aside.
Brent McNutt likes working with healthcare professionals. He also likes talking about urbane scrubs, landau shoes, and baby phat lab coat as well as writing articles about various topics. He also likes hiking, exercising, and camping with his family.
