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Autism may be noticed during infancy. But, it is usually noticed during early childhood (ages 2-6 years). The severity of symptoms varies. Children with autism may exhibit a combination of behaviors. Autism is a lifelong condition.
Each child is different, but symptoms fall into four broad categories:
Because children develop and change so rapidly at this early stage, symptoms often take the form of failure to progress or of regression from previous achievements. Something wrong may be apparent at birth, but it is more common for suspicions to be raised when a toddler fails to achieve normal social and developmental milestones.
The range of unusual behaviors is extensive. Children demonstrate many different combinations of behaviors.
Symptoms may include:
Symptoms may include:
Autistic children usually:
Signs may include:
Some people with autism suffer from other disorders as well, including:
References:
Autism Society of America. Autism 101 course. Autism Society of America website. Available at: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_course. Accessed June 15, 2010.
Autism spectrum disorders (pervasive developmental disorders). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml . Updated April 2008. Accessed September 11, 2008.
Behrman RE, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 18th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007.
Goetz CG. Goetz’s Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007.
Jacobson JL, Jacobson AM. Psychiatric Secrets . 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Hanley & Belfus, 2001.
Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry . 1st ed. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier, 2008.
Rapin I. An 8-year-old boy with autism. JAMA. 2001;285:1749-1757.
Last reviewed December 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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