Information

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is presented when a child’s social skills are challenged, they have repetitive behaviors and when they face difficulty with speech and nonverbal communication.

Autism can present itself at different stages of a child’s life, even up to age 3. It is important for parents or caregivers to learn the signs of Autism to seek professional help if necessary.

***Not all children with autism show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is crucial.***

● SIGNS OF AUTISM

By 6 months

• Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
• Limited or no eye contact

By 9 months

• Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions

By 12 months

• Little or no babbling
• Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
• Little or no response to name

By 16 months

• Very few or no words

By 24 months

• Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)

At any age

• Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
• Avoidance of eye contact
• Persistent preference for solitude
• Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
• Delayed language development
• Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
• Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
• Restricted interests
• Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
• Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors

[Source: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism ]

Are you a parent of an Autistic Child? 

If so, here is the perfect book by a Jamaican Author for you and your child that is available on Amazon.

By: Gabrielle Burgess

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