What is Autism, and what are they symptoms?

Answer 1

The top three signs of autism are;
1. Social Impairment such as;
a. No eye contact, pointing, or gestures to communicate.
b. Doesn't show off items. "Look at what I have!" type behaviour, or otherwise share interest or enjoyment with others.

2. Impairments in Communication such as;
a. Delay in, or total lack of speech
b. Or with Asperger's, marked impairment in the
ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others.

3. Repetitive movements, patterns of behavior & interests such as;
a. Hand-flapping, rocking, etc.
b. Obsessions with objects or parts of objects.
c. Prefers to organize or line up items rather than actually "play" with them.
d. Inflexible adherence to routines & rituals. (My niece will throw a fit if the bus driver doesn't stop at every normal stop even if the child at that particular stop didn't come to school that day, therefore doesn't need to be dropped off.

There is not blood test, brain scan, or genetic testing that can determine if a child is autistic. Observation is necessary.

Answer 2

There are different degrees of autism and different types, some of the symptoms are social withdrawal, inability to deal with change, repetitive ritualistic behaviour.

Autistic chidlren can be helped greatly by early intervention, so if you know somebody who is concerned about their child advise them to get them assessed as early as possible.

Answer 3

My sister is Autistic, and I can describe what she does. Keep in mind when reading this that she is going to be 18 years old next month....which signifies how devastating Autism can be, especially to the victims' loved ones.

** She seems tunnel-visioned about one particular object...her beads (like Mardi Gras beads). She sits on the floor and plays with beads (holding one end with her left hand and running the strand through her thumb and forefinger with her right hand.) She plays like this for hours on end, every day, and has for years. She doesn't play with any other toys, just her beads. She likes the tactile sensation. If you take them away, she will get another strand and continue.
** She doesn't like anyone in her "personal space", and especially does not like when someone is in her face, trying to make eye contact...she turns her head and looks away. If I am about a foot away from her, she will make eye contact.
** She HATES having her face washed, or any water on her face, and if it happens during a bath (of course it will) she reacts by violently trying to wipe her face with the back of her hand...her muscles are spastic, so she usually ends up smacking her face repeatedly, and pretty hard.
** She will not respond to her name being called.
** She ignores everything around her....TV, radio, the roaring vacuum.
** If I hug her, she doesn't notice.
** If I kiss her, she looks away because I am invading her space.
** She doesn't know how to handle her emotions...if she doesn't get something she wants, her reactions are out of the ordinary...(i.e. she cries and screams because she wants her cup).

Of course, Austistic symptoms can range considerably. Some people rock their bodies, etc. But the most noticable thing is that they are always in their little world. I have tried for years to get her to play with other toys, interact with me, etc...but she won't. To her, I don't exist.

Answer 4

Hi there,

Autism is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Psychological Association as a developmental disability that results from a disorder of the human central nervous system[citation needed]. It is diagnosed using specific criteria for impairments to social interaction, communication, interests, imagination and activities.

Noted Behaviors in Children

* stares into open areas, doesn't focus on anything specific.
* does not respond to his/her name.
* cannot explain what he/she wants.
* language skills are slow to develop or speech is delayed.
* doesn't follow directions.
* will fuss if didn't get what wanted.
* at times, the child seems to be deaf.
* doesn't point or wave "bye-bye."
* doesn't understand the concept of pointing; will look at the hand pointing rather than the object being pointed at.
* used to say a few words or babble, but now he/she doesn't.
* throws intense or violent tantrums.
* has odd movement patterns.
* likes to spin around in a circle.
* likes being in a place well known.
* hands on ears often.
* is overly active, uncooperative, or resistant.
* doesn't know how to play with toys.
* doesn't smile when smiled at.
* has poor eye contact.
* gets "stuck" doing the same things over and over and can't move on to other things.
* seems to prefer to play alone.
* gets things for him/herself only.
* is very independent for his/her age.
* does things "early" compared to other children.
* seems to be in his/her "own world."
* seems to tune people out.
* is not interested in other children.
* dislikes playing pretend.
* walks on his/her toes.
* shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules (i.e., always holding a string or having to put socks on before pants).
* spends a lot of time stacking objects, lining things up or putting things in a certain order.
* unconcerned about - or completely oblivious to - dangers around him/her (i.e., standing in the middle of the street without worrying about getting hit by a car).
* React cowardly to loud noises [ex. siren]

Hope it helps.

Answer 5

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION=2

Here is a link to the mayo clinic website. Read it carefully.

Answer 6

a child locked in his own world waiting to be released.