This is an education on the autism symptoms in attention deficit children.
It is important to know because early intervention by spotting the common symptoms will mean the difference between normalcy in life and a stunted social existence.
No one can truly explain fully the roots of autism nor is there enough literature to properly diagnose and truly define the ailment.
We know that autism can be traced to genetics and birth defect related diseases, and it affects many parts of the brain.
Strictly speaking, it is a brain developmental disorder, which affects children at a very young age - below three years old.
When observing your child, you must understand that autism has many variable symptoms, and cannot be defined by a single defining symptom.
There are many layers of behavioural and mental earmarks that will highlight whether or not a child has autism, and only a child psychologist can truly give a definitive diagnosis.
But there are some commonalities when it comes to describing autism in children and the umbrella symptoms are all related to the nature of the condition as a social developmental and communication disorder.
Children with autism are not able to function normally within their own social circles and have difficulty communication on the same levels with their peers and adults.
In infants, autism shows up in symptoms of decreased social interaction.
These infants and toddlers seem to show less interest and reaction to social stimuli, they smile less often and are easily distracted.
These infants are unable to maintain extended forms of eye contact unlike normal infants who will always fixate their eyes on the subject before them in an attempt to learn and interact with that person.
Autistic infants will also be unable to communicate normally with their parents or people around them, they will seem shy and will try to use physical manipulations (touching another person's hand) to gain attention.
As they get older, these symptoms manifest more obviously, especially when they are faced with social situations.
They are more likely to shy away from these experiences and keep to themselves, unable to function in normal interaction.
They will not spontaneously approach people, seem unfriendly, seem stunted in response to social stimuli and of course, prefer the company of the primary care givers.
The thing about autistic children is that they form a deep bond and reliance with their parents, and are unable to sometimes get out of that emotional circle or protectiveness they have surrounded themselves with and associated with their care givers.
If your child displays some of these symptoms, then early intervention is the most crucial form of treatment you can give them.
The main goals of treatment with child psychologists is to identify and reduce the symptoms at an early age, increase their social interactivity and communication skills.
Methods like applied behavioural analysis, structured teaching, speech therapy are important ways parents can reduce the autism symptoms in attention deficit children.
With early intervention, these children will have a much better chance at having a normal life and even more productive adulthood.