When a child is born we hope and pray that everything about our new bundle of joy is normal. Sometimes, over the first few years of life we see patterns or behaviors that are not typical of their peers. At first we accept their unique qualities, but eventually some people will come to the realization that there may be more to it than that. This is the time when we, as parents begin to reluctantly consider the possibility that our child may have special needs.
Early Detection of Autism:
These facts have been brought to our attention of late by increasing coverage in television media. In particular, the topic of autism was brought back into the spotlight through a special report on the Today Show on October 30, 2007. During this show, it was discussed that pediatricians/physicians will become more involved with early detection of children with autism. This early detection can begin with children's well-child visits at their pediatrician/physician's office. It can begin when children are as young as 3 months. For example, if a child is not smiling or lacks eye contact with loved ones; this may raise a "red flag" for concern. It is important to note that if your child does exhibit some of the early warning signs it doesn't necessarily mean that your child is autistic. It just means that the child's physician and his/her parents need to closely monitor the child's development through his/her future well-child visits.
You may be wondering what difference does it make whether a child is diagnosed at 3 years of age or 3 months. The reason why early detection of autism is important is because early detection means early intervention. If the child receives services at a younger age, he/she will exhibit less severe autistic behaviors that could affect the child socially and academically later in his/her childhood.
For a listing of the primary symptoms of autism please visit "What Are The Early Signs of Autism."
Early Detection of Autism:
These facts have been brought to our attention of late by increasing coverage in television media. In particular, the topic of autism was brought back into the spotlight through a special report on the Today Show on October 30, 2007. During this show, it was discussed that pediatricians/physicians will become more involved with early detection of children with autism. This early detection can begin with children's well-child visits at their pediatrician/physician's office. It can begin when children are as young as 3 months. For example, if a child is not smiling or lacks eye contact with loved ones; this may raise a "red flag" for concern. It is important to note that if your child does exhibit some of the early warning signs it doesn't necessarily mean that your child is autistic. It just means that the child's physician and his/her parents need to closely monitor the child's development through his/her future well-child visits.
You may be wondering what difference does it make whether a child is diagnosed at 3 years of age or 3 months. The reason why early detection of autism is important is because early detection means early intervention. If the child receives services at a younger age, he/she will exhibit less severe autistic behaviors that could affect the child socially and academically later in his/her childhood.
For a listing of the primary symptoms of autism please visit "What Are The Early Signs of Autism."
