Over the past several years autism awareness has reached an all time high. The increase in diagnoses is likely resultant of increased awareness of parents and providers. There is also more education available given advances in literature and research. So what does the literature say…
Autism, a spectrum disorder, can vary from mild to severe forms. This also means that no two children with autism are the same. Autism Spectrum Disorder (aka ASD) refers to disorders of brain development resulting in abnormalities. There are abnormalities of social interaction and communication. There is also an increased likelihood of certain repetitive behaviors.
In spite of the increased awareness, providers come across difficulties in the outpatient setting. Families often refuse to accept help when prompted, despite abnormal screening. Parents in denial may state things like: “He’s just shy” or “His uncle was the same way, and he is fine now”. This leads me to want to stress a few things. It is important to understand that tools used by pediatricians are screening devices. They are not diagnostic. Furthermore, early implementation of therapy is essential. Earlier onset of therapy results in quicker recovery and a better outcome. Let’s discuss a few common warning signs of a child who could be on the autistic spectrum. The most prevalent and suggestive finding is a difficulty with social interaction. Some features include poor or absent eye contact. Autistic children prefer isolation and they have a difficult time in group activities. They can also be quite impatient and at times aggressive with siblings and peers.
When it comes to communication, a wide severity scale exists. Some autistic children are completely non verbal. In comparison others may have verbal skills equal to that of a normal child. It is important to note that an autistic child can have average or above average IQ. Such a child may only have problems with social interaction.
Lastly, autistic children may have repetitive behavior patterns. Hand flapping in times of frustration or stress is quite suggestive of autism. Some children have a habit of running around in circles while others have a fixation on spinning objects or toys. Autistic children can be found placing objects in certain organised patterns (typically linear). These are just a few noted aspects but other developmental concerns may be evident.
During your child’s well checks, autism screening should be performed at 18 and 24 months of age. A universally used tool is the MCHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers). The MCHAT-R is a simple questionnaire with about 20 questions with yes or no answers. Ask your physician about Autism Screening for your child. Remember that children along the autism spectrum advance enormously with prompt and intensive therapy. This article also illustrates another importance of the routine well child checks! Don’t let your loved ones miss them!