AUTISM IN CHILDREN

Parents are always the first in noticing development problems in their child and Guess what! The parent is always right, when it comes to his or her child. As a parent, when you notice such abnormal behavior it is important for you to act immediately so that your child may get the necessary help that is required.

A child disorder that has increasingly become common amongst children in Kenya is autism. So what is Autism?

Autism is one of a group of serious developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that appear in early childhood — usually before age 3. It usually affects children between the ages of 3-10 years. It is important for parents to note that there is no cure for autism; however, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children with the disorder.

Children with autism generally have problems in three crucial areas of development — social interaction, language skills and repetitive behavior.

The following are some of the symptoms to watch out for under each section:

Social skills

•  Your child fails to respond to his or her name
• Your child cannot maintain eye contact
•  Your child appears not to hear you at times. He/she acts as if his hearing is impaired.
•  Your child resists being cuddled and being  held by people
•  Your child appears unaware of others' feelings
•  Your child seems to prefer playing alone — retreats into his or her "own world"

Language

• Your child starts talking later than age 2, and has other developmental delays by 30 months
• Your child loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
• Your child doesn't make eye contact when making requests
• Your child speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like                          speech
•  Your child can't start a conversation or keep one going
•  Your child may repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them

Behavior

•  Your child seems to perform repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
• Your child develops specific routines or rituals and becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals
•  Your child moves constantly
•  Your child seems to be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car
• Your child seems to be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain.

When to see a doctor

 When you suspect that your child may have autism, it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor. The earlier treatment begins the more effective it will be.  As a parent, if you suspect your child exhibits the symptoms above Contact us for screening and treatment.

To further understand how the mind of an autistic child operates, kindly watch the following video: Autism awareness video