The Mayo Clinic Website describes what Autism Spectrum Disorder is, the symptoms children are most likely to have, and when parents should take their child to see a doctor. This is informative and important for parents and caregivers to know since symptoms can start early in development and show before and at the two year mark.

Autism Spectrum Disorder also known as ASD, is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others. This causes problems in social interactions and communication. ASD can also include limited and repetitive patterns in behavior. In terms of the spectrum, it is a reference to the wide range of symptoms and severity.

The symptoms of ASD being in early childhood. Children usually show symptoms within their first year but there are a small among of children that show signs during a regression period that happens at 18 to 24 months of age.

The symptoms shown in infancy are reduced eye contact, lack of response to their name, and indifference to caregivers.

Signs are normally shown by age 2 because the child can develop normally and then regress and become withdrawn and aggressive.

Children that are low functioning on the spectrum may have trouble learning and have signs of lower intelligence.

In each case, it is difficult to to determine the severity. Each child has their own symptoms that are a different blend than other individuals.

Communication and Interactions

-failure to respond to their name and appears to not hear you at times.

-resists physical contact such as cuddling and holding.

-prefers to play with themselves instead of other people.

-poor eye contact and facial expression.

-delayed speech, inability to speak, lost the ability to say words or sentences.

-difficulty starting and keeping a conversation.

-initiating conversation for requests and to label items.

-abnormal tone while speaking, monotone, sounding like a robot, or using a singing voice.

-Repetition of words and phrases that they do not know how to use properly.

-appears to not understand simple questions or directions.

-doesn't express emotions and feelings.

-Doesn't point at objects or bring them to you.

-Passive aggression and disruptiveness towards social interactions.

-difficulty recognizing nonverbal cues, facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.

Patterns of Behavior

-preforming repetitive movements like rocking, spinning, and hand flapping.

-preforms activities that can harm them such as biting and head banging.

-Develops specific routines and becomes disturbed with the slightest changes.

-Has odd movements and/or difficulty with coordination like walking on their toes, clumsiness, and exaggerated body movements.

-Fascination of toys but does not understand the function of those.

-Unusually sensitive to light, sound, touch but may be indifferent to temperature and pain.

-fixation on objects or activities with abnormal intensity and focus.

-Has specific food preferences.

-Doesn't respond with a smile or happy face by six months.

-Doesn't mimic sounds or facial expressions by nine months.

-Doesn't babble or coo by 12 months.

-Doesn't gesture by 14 months.

-Doesn't say single words by 16 months.

-Doesn't play make believe or pretend by 18 months.

-Doesn't say two-word phrases by 24 months.

-If the child loses language skills or social skills at any age.

The Autism Society Website gives parents knowledge on IDEA, IEP's, and Post Secondary Planning. This is essential for parents to know during their child's education. Each individual with Autism has their own symptoms and challenges. These educational rights go in depth with the plans for your child's education.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a federal law that guarantees a free and appropriate education in a least restrictive environment. If your child has ASD, they will have an Individualized Education Plan. The IEP will have a written document that outlines your child's education. This document will outline the child's needs, accommodations, learning objectives, and the child's special education goal. There will be an IEP meeting with the child's team members, the child, and parents. These are held annually but can be held more often. They will discuss the childs goals, if they met those goals, accommodations, and the educational needs and performance. The IEP is made for the individual specifically to get the best education for that child.

While planning for education for students with Autism, it will address skill development such as education, communication, language, and social skills, self-help skills, behavioral issues, self advocacy, and self leisure related skills.

It is important for families to get the right resources for Autism Therapy Programs. In every case, it is hard to find the right fit. In this website, there are programs that help and support families with capabilities and confidence for success. These programs enhance daily efficiency and interactions along with communication, behavior, and social skills. The website provides a number for parents to call in order to speak to a program advisor. There is also success stories through videos as well. Therapy programs give the parent, child, and siblings support when needed.