This is the most common question that parents ask whenever they notice odd behaviors from their children. A lot of people assume that if their child fails to talk at the age or 2 or 3, he is autistic. This is a big misconception. There are numerous reasons as to why speech might be delayed in toddlers, and a lot of other reasons why some children are not hitting their milestones, but sadly, autism is one of them. It is comforting to know though, that talking late in toddlers does not automatically mean that your child is autistic.

Autism is a disorder that lasts a lifetime. It is referred to as a developmental disorder because symptoms normally manifest before a child reaches the age of 3 which is a critical period of development. It then causes concerns in the child’s development, learning and growth. When a child has autism, the areas that are affected normally concerns delayed skills in the following:

- Sensory – the way a child receives and process information with the use of his senses, namely; the sense of sight, taste, movement, touch, hearing, and taste.

- Cognitive – the manner in which a child learns and thinks.

- Social Interaction – the manner in which a child interacts or relates to others.

- Motor – the manner in which a child moves his body.

- Language – the manner in which a child comprehends and makes use of gestures and words.

Here is a list of concerns observed among toddlers and young children with autism spectrum disorder. This list is derived from a number of sources:

- Does not follow directions given.

- Seems to hear you at times, but is not consistent.

- Does not respond to his name at all times.

- Used to make attempts to talk, but suddenly stops.

- Throws severe tantrums.

- Manifests strange movement patterns like flapping arms, more so when excited.

- Doesn’t smile in return.

- Avoids eye contact. The child seems to look past you.

- Normally doesn’t cooperate when asked to do daily chores/routines.

- Is hyper most of the time.

- Prefers to play alone.

- Is an extremely picky eater. May only prefer to eat 4 different foods.

- Mimics what he hears instead of using his own words.

- Spends a lot of time putting things in a row, lining things up and gets very distressed when interrupted.

- Has a great attachment to toys or objects.

If your child has these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he/she is autistic. Make time to discuss your child’s signs with a healthcare provider. Finally decide if an intensive assessment is needed.

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You may hear autism referred to as a PDD. This stands for Pervasive Development Disorder, and is a blanket term for the many different autism types.

When talking about autism most people think of an autistic child in the classic sense, but that is only one of the types that are used to diagnose children with this condition in today’s world.

Though the film Rainman is probably the most well-known source that most people base their understanding on, there is more to this condition than what was depicted in the movie. Some children are very similar to Dustin Hoffman’s character, but there are many more different autism types and levels of function known today.

The Rainman type of autism, or classic autism, is otherwise known as Kanner’s, and was named for the doctor who studied it in the 30s and 40s. This is a lower functioning type of autism characterized by severe communication and socialization problems. These children are hard to reach, and do not interact with most people. They can be clumsy due to poor motor skills, and are prone to repetitive motions and actions. They might have tantrums when the smallest changes in their environment or schedule are made. Some do not speak, and others speak on a limited basis.

Rett’s Syndrome is also one of the lower-functioning types of autism. This happens in girls only for some reason, and is often paired with mental retardation. These girls are greatly impaired when it comes to movements, and they rarely speak. This autism type has been classified as a genetic defect. There seems to be no explanation as to why it only affects girls. All other types are attributed to males 75% of the time.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is something that is very shocking for parents, perhaps even more so than children who are identified early with Rett’s or Kanner’s. This is something that happens after a child has appeared to develop quite normally. They have the usual range of speech and motor skills for their peer group. Then at some point, usually between ages two and four, they regress into a severe form of autistic disability. No one is sure why this happens though some believe surgery or illness can bring it on. That is not true for all of these children, however, so nothing concrete has been proven.

The higher functioning form of autism is known as Asperger’s. These children can often be misdiagnosed in the early years. They have better communication and socialization skills, but they are still somewhat limited. However, many of these children aren’t diagnosed until they are in school when the difference their peers and themselves become more apparent. They often respond well to behavioral treatments, and can have a very ‘normal’ life if they are put through these programs and therapies at the earliest possible age.

There is another type of autism called PDD-NOS. This is when a child is thought to have autism, but their condition does not seem to be associated with the other four more definite types. They have autism, but they seem to fall out of each category. They may have symptoms or behaviors that fall within all of the other different autism types, but do not fit one type exclusively.

Most children with any of these five autism types will be diagnosed before the age of five, and the prognosis will depend on the function of the child, and how early they can begin to go through therapies.

There is no cure for autism, and because the reasons why some children develop this condition are so unclear, there is no way parents can prevent it from happening. More research is needed to find the origins of the condition. Once that can be found, perhaps a cure or more effective treatments can be administered, tailored to the different types of autism.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans’ brand new Autism Newsletter – Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about autism strategies and for information on high functioning autism please visit The Essential Guide To Autism.

Even without autism, puberty can be a very delicate and trying time for a family. When autism is involved, however, things can become much more complicated. Many parents approach this period of their child’s life with fear and trepidation. However, it is best if you attempt to approach this time in a very positive and developmentally oriented fashion.

For everyone going through puberty – autistic or not – sexuality and *** education is an important part of life. Children and teens are, after all, sexual beings. In order to respect the dignity of your autistic child, you must teach healthy attitudes towards sexuality and convey appropriate expressions for sexuality. As the parent, your job will also be to maintain his or her safety.

Many parents fear regression in their autistic children during puberty. “Autism after Adolescence; Population-based 13- to 22-year Follow-up Study of 120 Individuals with Autism Diagnosed in Childhood” was a recent longitudinal study published in the June 2005 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

This study showed that of the seventeen percent of the 108 people followed up with who had a clear regression during adolescence, half of those people fully recovered from that setback by the time they reached adulthood. Furthermore, that same study reconfirmed what previous research had suggested, where language development and a better all around adulthood are positively correlated with childhood IQ levels.

Therefore, it is not unreasonable to assume that a child with autism will be able to learn to manage the challenges and changes faced throughout puberty. The key is to make sure to pay attention to any questions or confusions that he or she may have, so that you can help to resolve them. You can add teaching moments to your everyday life, allowing your child to learn and relearn about what will be happening in their body.

Your child’s pediatrician may be able to suggest some techniques and resources for helping ease your family and your autistic child through puberty. This may include various books (such as “Asperger’s Syndrome and Sexuality: From Adolescence Through Adulthood”), pamphlets, and websites, or even additional therapies, such as – in the case of girls – hormone therapies to regulate menstrual cycles and minimize the discomfort that may be felt. This will help to create predictability for a girl’s periods, so that she will know exactly what day they will start, and approximately when they will end. Furthermore, the same body sensations will occur at the same time of the cycle every month. This form of treatment could be regarded as somewhat controversial, so careful discussion with your doctor or your child’s pediatrician is paramount.

You may also find that a psychologist or child psychologist may be able to provide you with an additional level of insight into helping your child through puberty with as little distress as possible.

With the help of both a doctor and a psychiatrist, you will be equipped to handle many questions your child may have as well as any new temporary or lasting symptoms that your child may develop.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans’ brand new Autism Newsletter – Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find information on autism and puberty plus practical tips for coping with autism in adolescence