Characteristics of Autism

In Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Nassau County, & Suffolk County

What are the characteristics of an autistic disorder?
Children with autism exhibit three characteristic traits, including:

1. Problems with social interaction
• This is the most common trait of children with autism. A child may avoid making eye contact or be unresponsive when their name is called.
2. Trouble with verbal and nonverbal communication
• Children with autism may have trouble understanding the feelings or thoughts of others because of their inability to read facial expressions or tones of voice.
3. Repetitive behaviors and/or compulsive interests
• Many children with autism repeat certain movements and follow rigid routines. They may also arrange objects.

 

When are the characteristics first seen?
In most cases, parents are the first to notice one or more of these symptoms in their child. If a doctor was negligent or experienced difficulty delivering a child, a parent may be more aware of a potential problem, making it possible for them to notice that something is wrong earlier on. It is possible for a child to seem to be developing normally and then begin to exhibit some of these traits. Most cases of autism present themselves before a child reaches 3 years of age and come with indicators, such as the child focusing fixedly on objects or being indifferent to people around them.

 

What is the outlook?
The age at which intervention begins has a direct impact on a child’s outcome. In most cases, the earlier the treatment, the better the prognosis for the child. The percentage of children who are able to attend school in a normal classroom setting has noticeably increased in the past few years. Nonetheless, most people living with autism still experience difficulties as a result of their inability to communicate and connect with others. Schools throughout the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau and Suffolk do offer specialized programs for children with autism and other developmental issues to facilitate learning.

What are some common signs of autism?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are three distinctive behaviors that characterize autism. Children with autism have trouble with social interaction and difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication. Many children repeat certain behaviors or focus on narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range from mild to disabling.

 

The most common characteristic a child with autism exhibits is impaired social interaction.  In some cases, children with autism do not respond to their name and avoid making eye contact with others.  As a result of their inability to read and interpret social cues, children with autism have trouble understanding the thoughts and feelings of others. They sometimes have problems reading tones of voice or facial expressions, and don’t watch other people’s faces for clues about appropriate behavior. 
Children with autism tend to start talking later than other children. Some refer to themselves by their own name instead of using “I” or “me.”  Children with autism often talk about a small variety of topics they are interested in or familiar with and may have little or no interest in what others are saying.  They may also speak in a sing-song voice when talking.

 

Children with autism often engage in rhythmic movements, such as swaying back and forth. Some may inflict abuse on themselves by biting or banging their head. Children with autism may have less sensitivity to pain; however, they can be especially sensitive to sound, touch or other stimulation.  These special reactions may contribute to behaviors, such as a resistance to being held or cuddled.   
There appears to be a higher risk of conditions such as fragile X syndrome (which can cause mental retardation), tuberous sclerosis (which causes tumors to grow in the brain and other organs), epileptic seizures, Tourette syndrome, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and learning disabilities for children with autism. About 20 to 30 percent of all children living with autism develop epilepsy by the time they become adults.

 

What are the treatment options?
No two children with an autism spectrum disorder are exactly alike. The CDC states that each child with an ASD needs a treatment program that meets their individual needs.  At present, there is no cure for autism; however, early, intensive treatment can help these children reach their full potential. For guidance on choosing the right treatment program, visit the Treatment Options section of the National Institute of Mental Health’s autism website.

 

Throughout New York State, parents of children with autism have various resources available to them for the treatment of their child’s autism. Many children with autism respond positively to a consistent pattern of learning. Many schools offer individualized programs for children with autism to help them learn in a constructive way.

 

If you think your child's autism was caused by a birth injury, please contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos today.

 

 

 

Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C.
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