Autism Awareness
Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are terms to describe a group of complex disorders of brain development, often characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviours.
Early signs of autism are often detected in children who are 12 to 24 months and may include:
- Failure to develop language skills (verbal and non-verbal), or appearing to develop it and then regressing
- Appearing deaf, responding intermittently or not responding at all to sounds presented to them
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent waking at night
- Failure to bond with parents or caregivers
- Excessive tantrums
- Limited imaginative play or no interest in playing with other children
- Failure to “show” or “point to” objects
- Gastrointestinal problems or repeated infections
If you suspect your child may have autism, then seek the opinion of a doctor or pediatrician as there are screening tools available.
The earlier the diagnosis can be confirmed, the earlier the necessary treatment can be implemented.