You said you were very concerned that your child has 2 or more of the following problems:
Has an odd way of dealing with other children which leads to problems making or keeping friends
Speech is strange or unclear
Unable to use words as well as other kids' his/her age to communicate
Does the same movement over and over
Makes sounds or words without purpose
Needs to have things done or said in exactly the same way over and over
Some children who have severe problems in these areas have
something called Autistic Disorder or Autism. The things you reported
suggest that your child may have Autistic Disorder.
Children with autism often seem to be in their own world. Some
children do not talk at all. Others struggle to express their wants and needs.
They do the same movements over and over again. They seem unaware of what goes on around them.
If your child has Autism, someone probably told you that s/he had this
problem before s/he was 3 years old. You may have had early concerns because your
child was not talking. When your child was very young s/he probably didn't want
to cuddle much. S/he may not have made eye contact with you or others.
Many children with autism do not speak at all. Those who do may speak in
rhyme or repeat a person's words like an echo. Some refer to themselves as a "he" or "she", or use odd language.
Some children with Autism have mild problems while others are more severe.
Some children do well in school and others have a lot of trouble learning.
Many children with autism are also slow learners. The causes of autism are unknown.
It may be due to a problem with the central nervous system. It is important
to note that parents do not cause autism.
