April Truths...

April is Autism awareness month... Most people have heard about Autism, and are filled with questions, anxieties and concerns.  Let us instead armor ourselves with information and educate ourselves on how to best help our little ones...  This linked article is worth reading to give you basic information on Autism.

HealthyChildren.org - Is It Autism?

These are some of the "Red Flags" the article mentions...

This broad label covers five related developmental disorders: autism, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett syndrome, and “pervasive developmental disorder” (PDD).

ASDs (referred to here as “autism”) are difficult to define in broad terms because the symptoms and their severity vary from person to person. However, the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development has created a list of typical “red flags” that may point to autism.

Consider having your 18-month old screened if he:

• Doesn’t respond to his name
• Is slow to develop language skills
• Doesn’t point or wave “bye-bye”
• Used to say a few words or babble, but now he doesn’t
• Throws intense or violent tantrums
• Seems to tune people out
• Is not interested in other children
• Doesn’t smile when smiled at
• Resists changes in routine
• Has poor eye contact
• Doesn’t pretend or play “make believe”