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Home › Articles › Special Needs › Autism

Autism

Understanding the Disorder

By Lisamarie Sanders

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This perseveration also causes an exaggerated need for sameness as the child grows. For example, your daughter may become a picky eater, not because she likes or dislikes a certain food, but because she so strongly resists change. "I remember a child who liked Fruit Loops, but would pick out a specific color he didn't want to eat. It was always the same one. He just wouldn't eat that color," recalls Dr. Aiello.

Inappropriate Play
Children with autism also play differently than other children their age. They have difficulty with imaginary concepts. "They don't learn how to play with toys in a representational way," says Dr. Aiello. For example, if you give an autistic child a toy brush, she won't use it to brush a baby doll's hair with it. Instead, she's likely to hold it up close to her eyes and scrutinize it.

Abnormal Sleep Patterns
Many autistic children have abnormal sleep patterns. They may sleep during the day and be awake much of the night. "They don't establish a normal biorhythm for sleep-wake patterns," says Dr. Aiello. He clarifies that this symptom is not always present, but it is likely.

Diagnosis
If you notice these symptoms in your child, it is important that you mention them to your doctor. Although there are no medical tests for diagnosing autism, various tests may be ordered to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms.

The ASA states, "An accurate diagnosis [of autism] must be based on observation of the individual's communication, behavior and developmental levels." This is most effectively performed by a team of specialists, who may include a psychologist, neurologist, developmental pediatrician, speech/language therapist, educational counselor or other professional with specific knowledge of autism.

Additionally, parental input and a developmental history are needed to effectively diagnose the disorder. "At first glance, some persons with autism may appear to have mental retardation, a behavior disorder, problems with hearing or even odd and eccentric behavior," reads a recent ASA report. "To complicate matters further, these conditions can co-occur with autism." A thorough and comprehensive evaluation by a team of experts can lead to a correct diagnosis.

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