Published: February 07, 2007 09:05 am         

AUTISM: Understanding/Recognizing

Each year an unexpected foe that can be hard to diagnose strikes fear in the hearts of parents. Affecting one in every 166 births, autism is the most common of all pervasive developmental disorders, which include Asperger's Disorder as well as Rett's Disorder. And those numbers figure to increase, according to the U.S. Department of Education and other government agencies, which estimate that instances of autism are growing at an alarming rate of 10 to 17 percent each year. All told, nearly four million Americans could be suffering autism in the next decade.

While those numbers justifiably cause concern in many people, it's important to remember autism affects different individuals in different ways. That makes identifying some of the criteria indicative of autism all the more important. While some autism sufferers might only experience mild side effects such as slight delays in language or trouble interacting socially, the Autism Society of America (ASA) warns parents to be on the lookout for the following traits as well.

· Resistance to change: Autism sufferers insist on never breaking from their routine, a trait that was characterized in the 1988 film "Rain Man," where Dustin Hoffman's character is an adult with autism who strongly resists change and breaking from his routine throughout the film.

· Not verbalizing their needs and wants: In lieu of speaking, autism sufferers often resort to pointing or gestures when expressing needs. While this is a common trait in many young children, it is abnormal for toddlers who have already developed language skills.

· Verbal repetition: Rather than holding a conversation, autism sufferers will simply repeat a phrase to reflect a need or want.

· Not wanting to be cuddled or make eye contact: While these are separate traits, they both can be extremely difficult for parents to cope with, possibly making parents feel as though their child is not reciprocating their love. Children will react negatively to being hugged or cuddled and some autism sufferers refuse to make eye contact as well.

· Unresponsive to verbal cues: Children with autism often act as if they are deaf, despite hearing tests that show their hearing is in normal range.

· Difficulty in mixing with others: At times, autism can be a heartbreaking disorder for a sufferer's loved ones, mainly due to the difficulty autistic children have in communicating and befriending other children. Lacking the capacity to communicate with others is one of the more prevalent traits associated with autism. Parents of children who can't seem to mix with other children should consider consulting a physician.

While each of these are traits associated with autism, parents should know not all of these traits, if any at all, are prevalent in autistic children.