Autism Signs and Symptoms

"Autism signs and symptoms can sound abstract on the page, but this video illustrates things like lining up toys, stacking blocks, rocking head back and forth, and other repetitive behaviors as it catches a little boy named Kevin in the act. Watch it to compare Kevin's behavior to your own child's ... or just to fall in love with this curly-headed cutie."

Terri Mauro
Guide to Parenting Special Needs
http://specialchildren.about.com

The images from the video would help ilustrate some basic concepts that are key for the early identification of children with autism.

World Autism Awareness Day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism

Red Flags that Parents Should Note:

* 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.
* at times, seems to be deaf.
* doesn't point or wave "bye-bye."
* used to say a few words or babble, but now doesn't.
* throws intense or violent tantrums.
* has odd movement patterns.
* 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.
* 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 lining things up or putting things in a certain order.

Source: Filipek et al. (1999). Screening and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 29(6): 439-484.

"Videos like this truly help other parents going through the same thing. There were so many signs I just never knew what was going on."

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Autism
• Autistic
• PDD
• ASD
• Family

[mybleusea]

Having knowledge (or knowledgment) of the human body doesn't mean one is not autistic. He reminds me very much of my son at that age. This video was so sweet, I loved it. @lonedog, the purpose is to show people who do not know the early signs of autisim to be able to recognize them. My son appears (and is) very happy too. However, it is very important to get these kids help early so that they can get help with social impairments and other things you don't see or hear on this video.

[jiller777]

Somone please help me, I dont want to offend one of my GOOD friends, we both have sons who are BOTH 3yrs old, Ima about 85% sure her son has autism, but i dont know how to bring it up. She is a nurse too, and makes alot of "excuses" for his behavior..He isnt severly autistic, i know that for sure. But he DEF on teh spectrum...Somone please help me give her some advice so she will at least chek into it...

[daliaMos]

He's ADORABLE

[erinbb13]

Firstly, what a delightfully beautiful little boy! Secondly, I just wanted to say that my son was recently diagnosed ASD, and when I started to suspect it, I searched the internet & found this... still so much reminds me of my little one. It helped me, and while this is not an absolute picture of Autism, it does show elements of it. For those who are "hating on" this video's purpose...contrary to your ideas, it actually is helpful.

[Neilgs]

under re-activity. In short, many can have affect-sensory processing challenges and yet not be on the spectrum. How is the child able to understand the meaning of back and forth emotional signaling and consequently coordinate with caregivers simple affect circles of communication (i.e., facial and bodily gesturing; able to to coordinate his/her ideation, motor-planning and execution (I want it; I see it; How am I going to get it) are, depending upon age level, more core indicators.

[Neilgs]

With all due respect, what is presented here is not AT ALL Necessarily One iota of autism or autistic indicators. Turning cars over spinning wheels repetitively or lining up toys all the time or shaking one's head repeatedly does NOT in and of itself in ANY shape, manner and form constitute a diagnosis of ASD. Moreover, if a child (or older) is constantly seeking tactile, proprioceptive (e.g. jumping) auditory, vestibular (e.g., spinning) input can indicate some sensory processing over or....

[hayleynimmoify]

Beautiful Video, Beautiful Child!

[ILUVHORSES1981]

Reminds me of my daughter, she is showing signs of Autism. I am getting her evaluated soon for Autism to see if she is on the spectrum. His behaviour in this video is very similar to my daughters behavior.

[Gahuki44]

What a cute little boy. I hope he's doing well.

[feargaillabu]

yer such an illiterate kunt doc!!!fuck off and die and hide yer self in that hole of yers

[somotastic21]

also, if a little kid throws away their toys is this a sign of autism and/or aspergers? Also, if a person likes to attend family functions when they are younger yet enjoys them less and less as an adult and becomes less social, is this a sign of autism and/or aspergers?