What is Autism?
Autism is a broad diagnostic category - a "spectrum disorder." Persons within the "spectrum" are diagnosed as having one of the following:
- Autistic Disorder
- Asperger's Syndrome
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder, NOS
- Rett's Syndrome
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Although persons with autism are truly unique, there are common needs often seen across the spectrum. Common needs include developing age-appropriate social skills, improving communication, and addressing the engagement in self-stimulatory/repetitive behaviors.
Symptoms
Some of the noticeable symptoms in children may include:
- Difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication
- Not playing with other children, or not in an appropriate manner
- Inappropriate play with toys of lack of interest in age-appropriate toys
- Behavioral abnormalities such as staring at hands, walking on tiptoes, rocking, tantrums, or hyperactivity.
- Resistance to change in areas of playing, surroundings, routines, or topics of interest.
- May be over-sensitive or under-sensitive to their environment
If you believe that your child has some or all of these symptoms to some degree, Family Behavioral Resources is ready to assist you in the details of screening and diagnosis. We will continue to be your comfort and support through this important time for you family.
