Autism

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental lifelong disorder. It’s a spectrum of symptoms that affects people differently and to varying degrees.

The AAP recommends that all children should be screened for ASD at ages 18 to 24 months, along with regular developmental surveillance.

Children of all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups are reported to have autism spectrum disorder.

Etiology of autism is still unknown, but early diagnosis and prompt support and services can change the quality of a child's life.

ASD can affect social communication, interpersonal relationships and social interaction.

According to CDC

Autism now affects 1 in 54 children in the U.S. CDC has noticed 10 % increased rate since 2014.
Median age in children at the time of diagnosis was over 4 years old.
ASD affects children of all races, but a gap remains in prevalence among Hispanic children

Boys are affected 4 times more than girls.

Most common features of ASD

Other and less common features

Unusual interests and behaviors
Sensory processing disorders
Dyslexia
Have extreme anxiety and phobias, as well as unusual phobias
Play with toys the same way every time
Like parts of objects (e.g., wheels)
Become upset by minor changes
Have obsessive interests
Not respond to their name (the child may appear deaf)
Not point at objects or things of interest, or demonstrate interest
Parallel play
Want to be alone
Difficult to understand or other people’s feelings or their own
Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
Give unrelated answers to questions
Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
Have unusual reactions (over or under-sensitivity) to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
Have low to no social skills
Demonstrate little safety or danger awareness
Reverse pronouns (e.g., says “you” instead of “I”)
Causing self injury
Meltdowns
Unusual eating and sleeping habits
Unusual mood or emotional reactions

For accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan schedule an appointment with Dr. Din.