Is it Autism?

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“She does not like to be held or rocked at all.  She won’t look at what I am pointing at, and never points at things herself.  The softest touch sends her wailing, but being bitten by ants at the playground did not cause a stir.  She still is not talking, but all my friends have had late talkers.  She seems to look everywhere but in my eyes. So many things don’t seem right. Could this be autism?”

Autism. Just the sound of the word makes the strongest of moms weak in the knees.

So what is autism? 

According to the Mayo Clinic and my own experience with my child with autistic like tendencies:

  • Autism is a disorder of brain development that causes developmental problems and appears in early childhood.
  • Each child with autism is unique and affected differently than others, but all have problems with communication and interacting with others.

There is no cure for autism.

What are some symptoms?

  • The symptoms usually show up between 2 and 3 years.
  • The child will fail to respond to his/her name.  “My daughter at 8 years old will still not respond when I call her name.  This makes it very difficult to find her inside or out.   When I call out to her, I have to ask her, “Say Something!” And if I’m lucky, I will hear a faint noise from her and be able to then find her.”
  • Poor eye contact.
  • Does not like to be held or cuddled. “This is a real area of guilt as a mom. I tried for years to read to her and rock her like my other children. She would scream and claw her way out of my lap. It was very hard to bond and feel connected.”
  • Talking starts later than age two or loses ability to say previously acquired words.  “My daughter is 8, and praise God, she just started putting 5 words together! For the first time she is able to tell me if she is not feeling well, what she wants to eat, and small bits about her day at school!”
  • Can’t start or keep conversation going.
  • Likes repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking back and forth)  “Our daughter loves to hold one leg, rock back and forth with humming/mumbling the same sounds over and over and over and over:)”
  • Children with autism look “normal”.  “Going out in public can be very hard. I cringe every time someone comes up and asks my daughter her age. When I respond for my child, the stranger gives me a queer look, as if to say, “Why don’t you let her answer the question?” If only it were that easy.”

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When should I see my doctor?

  •  12 months– your child isn’t babbling or cooing, no pointing or waving gestures
  • 16 months– not saying single words
  • 24 months-not able to say two-word phrases
  • Any age-the loss of acquired language or social skills

Source: Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010, Autism. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism, para. 1-11)

I think my child may have autism, now what?

  • Your doctor will evaluate your child and refer you to a specialist.
  • If your doctor isn’t listening to your concerns, contact your local school for an evaluation.

And finally, here are some excellent resources to help you or a friend today!

  • Speechless: Finding God’s Grace in My Son’s Autism by Sandra Peoples. This eBook on Amazon is a must read.  It was so encouraging to me. The book takes you with the author as she discovers her son’s autism. In her book she also gives you 10 steps to take if you suspect your child has autism, and gives a great list of resources. http://peoplesonline.blogspot.com/2011/11/buy-speechless.html
  • “The Out-of-Sync Child” by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
  •   www.autismspeaks.org
  •  www.firstsigns.org

Finally, my prayer for you is that the Lord will comfort you.  Isaiah 44:2, “Thus says the LORD who made you, and formed you from the womb who will help you, do not fear.” The LORD knew what he was doing when he made our children and will help us each step along the way! How has the Lord helped you or a friend on this journey?      ❥Tara Dovenbarger


 

Stephanie Shott
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