There's a popular myth -- one of several surrounding autism -- that you can't diagnose this disease until a child is well into childhood. In reality, the signs are evident as early as 18 months of age, or sometimes even sooner. The signs often show up early in a baby's life: He doesn't babble or coo like other infants. Later, he may fail to gesture, point or make eye contact.
Michael developed physically at a typical rate. He reached all of his growth milestones as if the charts were modeled after him. It was the social and emotional issues that started to beg for attention. He could never look at us in the eyes despite our attempts to force him.
Autism is a complex neurological disorder that effects social interaction, cognitive abilities and emotional development. It is a disorder with no known cause and no cure. Early intervention and public awareness, coupled with strong research efforts are making huge strides to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals.
Asperger's Disorder is the term for a specific type of pervasive developmental disorder which is characterized by problems in development of social skills and behavior.
There's a popular myth -- one of several surrounding autism -- that you can't diagnose this disease until a child is well into childhood. In reality, the signs are evident as early as 18 months of age, or sometimes even sooner. The signs often show up early in a baby's life: He doesn't babble or coo like other infants. Later, he may fail to gesture, point or make eye contact.
Asperger's Disorder is the term for a specific type of pervasive developmental disorder which is characterized by problems in development of social skills and behavior.
Autism is a complex neurological disorder that effects social interaction, cognitive abilities and emotional development. It is a disorder with no known cause and no cure. Early intervention and public awareness, coupled with strong research efforts are making huge strides to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals.
Michael developed physically at a typical rate. He reached all of his growth milestones as if the charts were modeled after him. It was the social and emotional issues that started to beg for attention. He could never look at us in the eyes despite our attempts to force him.
