{"id":31741,"date":"2015-04-01T08:36:02","date_gmt":"2015-04-01T16:36:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=31741"},"modified":"2015-04-01T08:46:06","modified_gmt":"2015-04-01T16:46:06","slug":"7-signs-autism-parents-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/7-signs-autism-parents-know\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Signs About Autism All Parents Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

<\/p>\n

Autism is a fearful word for parents. The brain disorder affects the ability of a child to interact and speak with others. Kids are usually not diagnosed of autism until the age of two, but some children start showing signs and symptoms of autism even before reaching two. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For parents, especially new parents, it’s important to know the signs of autism. These are the red flags they need to watch for, to determine whether their child is at a risk for autism. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the signs parents need to watch for, according to Dr. Rebecca Landa, a top researcher of autism, and director of Center for Autism & Related Disorders in Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1. No connection<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Even if too young for talking, typical children do various things to draw the attention of caregivers. They move their legs and arms, babble, smile, etc. If a child makes no effort for connecting to others, he\/she may be at a risk for ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders). <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2. Poor eye contact<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Children should make eye contact, even the ones who are as young as two to three months old. By the age of one or two years, if your kid appears to be taking more interest in gazing at things (including your mouth), other than gazing at your eyes, take that as a red flag. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3. Absence of words<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Babbling is not only cute, it is also a little one’s way of informing you that he\/she is developing language skills. If a kid is not babbling by six months, or is babbling even after the age of six months, when the child should have begun using words, he\/she might have ASD or some similar problem. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

4. No recognition of name<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

By reaching six months, a child should quickly look up or respond when his\/her name is called. If your kid fails to look up on being called, or looks up only sometimes, consider it as a red flag. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

5. Lining up toys<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Autistic children do strange things with their toys. They may line up the toys, flick or spin them, and they continue to do this, without an apparent purpose. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

6. Arm flapping<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the well-documented signs for autism is arm flapping. However, other types of postures and body movements may also indicate that there is a problem. If your kid stiffens his\/her legs or arms repeatedly, or keeps twisting wrists, consider consulting a pediatrician. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

7. Repeating words<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Does your child habitually repeat all or part of what you speak? If yes, it’s a matter of concern. Some children parrot TV commercials or programs, instead of speaking words for communicating with others. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Besides these seven signs, parents should know some more things about ASD. A few of these are briefly discussed below:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n