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=Autism Spectrum Disorder and Language Delays=

What is Autism?
Autism and autism spectrum disorder can be defined as complex neurological developmental disorders that can impact the child’s socio-emotional interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and may even cause rigid repetitive behaviors in young children. Autism is now termed as Autism Spectrum Disorder as there are range of symptoms, skills, and impairments. Children with autism may have repetitive body movements like clapping, rocking, jumping etc. These repetitive body movements help children with autism to sooth or calm themselves in new or unexpected environment or situations. Children with autism might show abnormal skill development like impairment in communication skills, or giving eye contact while communicating with others. On the other hand they might have extraordinarily developed skills in drawing, solving math problems and recognizing facts, or playing and understanding music. It is more pervasive in boys than in girls. Among every four boys one boy is diagnosed with autism. Although, the actual causes of autism are not known, it is believed that old age pregnancy, exposure to drugs and alcohol, obesity, and mutations in genetic material might be the reasons that can cause autism. Although, it is not proven but some researchers believe that vaccination can also cause autism.

Signs of language delay in children with Autism
Autism is a spectrum disorder that includes a variety of language development delays, including verbal and nonverbal communication. It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of a child’s language development because it is part of the DSM-IV criteria for ASD. By the age of two, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are “less able than other children to respond correctly to language or gestures used to direct their attention, used attention directing (pointing, showing) less frequently, and produced more echolalic speech when making requests.” The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that parents and caregivers inform the child’s doctor as soon as a possible of any signs of language delays because early intervention is key in helping children with ASD develop typical communication. Furthermore, it is understood by the publishers of this document that the following list is a general outline of the signs of language delays that may be present in a child with autism when compared to typical developmental milestones of communication that has been created by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(2); and, is not meant to take the place of a diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder by a trained professional. By 6 months: Lack of babbling, doesn’t respond to name or sounds around him By 9 months: Lacks: imitating sounds of others, use of pointing or gestures to communicate By 12 months: Lacks using simple gestures such as waving or shaking head to indicate “no” By 18 months: Lacks a vocabulary of at least 6 words By 2 years: Lacks the ability to create two word phrases such as “cup milk” By 3 years: Is not creating simple sentences, is unable to follow simple 2-step instructions By 4 years: Lacks communication that others can understand; does not understand “same” and “different”; does not use “me” and “you correctly” By 5 years: Does not use plurals or past tense properly

Treatment
One of the first cues that a child may have autism is that they have a language delay. When a language delay is identified, the parents should look into taking this a step further with speech therapy. It is most important to conduct an early intervention in order to diagnose the issue further and determine whether the child is on the autism spectrum. If early intervention is administered, the child can receive the proper treatment early. Some remedies that can contribute to assisting the delays with language experienced by children with Autism are medications, speech therapy sessions, diet and developmental behavior therapy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) while there is no definite medication that can help to treat the delays in an Autistic child’s language, there are medications that can help with attention, restlessness, seizures and anxiety or depression. If these issues are addressed then it will enable the child to better concentrate on important developmental milestones such as language. By matching up the child with a speech therapist, the child can learn some new skills and the parents can also learn how they can contribute to their child’s further learning. It is important to remember that overloading these sessions can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Incorporating a healthy diet can further help the child with concentration and development. Finally, when parents attend sessions on behavioral therapy, they can further guide their child in order to help them to progress with their emotions in a positive way.

References:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Treatment. (2016, July 20). Retrieved August 08, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/behavior-therapy.html

Autism Symptoms and Early Signs. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2016, from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism/autism-symptoms-and-early-signs.htm