Autism Characteristics

The finds of a latest research carried out by scientists as published on 9th February, 2009, in the Telegraph, a leading British newspaper, state that women who put off pregnancy till they enter their 40s and 50s are more prone to give birth to children with autism. Autism is a generalized term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders and is also called a spectrum disorder. It is estimated that about 1.5 million individuals in the US are affected by autism and over tens of millions worldwide, live with autism. The rate of autism is increasing at a rapid rate of 10-17% every year, according to government statistics. Autism characteristics typically appear during the first three years of a child's life. Though lots of research has been conducted on autism, scientists have still not been able to zero in on the exact autism causative factors.

Characteristics of Autism

Autism is a disorder affecting an individual's ability to interact and communicate effectively for their entire lives. It affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Autism characteristics will vary depending on the age group as well.

Characteristics in Infants

It is not easy to identify autism in infants below the age of 36 months, simply because, the symptoms seem to surface only after the age of three. Below is a list of symptoms that can help identify an infant with autism. However, since infants do not learn or develop skills at the same speed, to identify autistic signs, one needs to look for a combination of sings and symptoms.

6 months...
Autistic infants do not show any kind of reaction or awareness, when they see their parents. They keep staring at a certain object and appear phased out. By 6 months, a non-autistic child would show reactions and smiles on seeing the parent.

9 months...
By the time infants attain the age of 9 months, they begin reciprocating smiles and touches from their parents. However, autistic children still show no reaction.

12 months...
Infants by the age of 12 months begin to babble, mimic others, wave, point to objects, clap, etc. However, autistic infants do not react or show any such reactions. They make no eye contact and do not cry when left alone.

Characteristics in Toddlers

• An autistic toddler shows no desire to be cuddled and reacts indifferently to family members and strangers. Moreover, the child does not maintain eye contact.
• May show extreme resistance to change in routines in and around their environment.
• Prefers to stay alone most of the time.
• May find it difficult to have a regular sleep pattern.
• Resists solid foods and may want the same food everyday.
• May not cry at all or may end up crying constantly.
• Shows repetitive hand movements like hand-shaking, flapping and may also be engrossed in prolonged rocking and spinning objects.
• They mostly find only one object interesting and are obsessed with them.
• Noisy places like market places and other public places leave autistic toddlers extremely distressed.

Characteristics in Children

• An increase in social interest is seen and they begin to tolerate other kids playing beside them. They also begin to develop bonds with certain people around them.
• Compulsive behavioral patterns commonly seen.
• They lack the motivation to please other people.
• Have poor attention span and find it difficult to concentrate in class.
• Finds it difficult to interpret and understand instructions given by the teacher.
• Seem uninterested in sharing experiences
• Has difficulty communicating with gestures or speech
• Difficulty in starting conversations
• Performs repetitive routines and dislikes changes.
• Lack make-believe or pretend-play skills.

Characteristics in Adults

• Autistic adults face difficulties in communicating verbally and their speech often feels like it's been rehearsed.
• Difficulty in starting a conversation.
• Do not make eye contact and are not seen making any face to face communication.
• They lack control over their emotions and often throw tantrums like children.
• Delayed sexual development and interest.
• Anxiety and depression symptoms come forth.
• Are sensitive to light, sound and crowds.
• Forgetful and moody
• Face difficulties in motor skills like writing, athletic coordination and are unable to carry out activities that require coordination with other people.

It is not necessary that an autistic child or adult shows all these above-mentioned symptoms. However, if at all your infant shows some of the above characteristics, make sure you consult your doctor about it. Identifying autism in the early stages and seeking help as early as possible helps the child cope with the disorder.