Disorders of the autistic spectrum were not given a label until the middle of the 20th century. Dr. Leo Kanner studied a group of children in 1943 who exhibited marked behavioral and communication issues and found them to be afflicted with what we today know as autism. There are five different disorders of development within the autism spectrum. All of the disorders vary in the degree that the individual is affected. But all have issues with communication skills, socialization and at times, repetitive behavior.
A child with an autistic spectrum disorder will normally show the symptoms before they reach the age of 3. These children do not act like other children who are not affected. They will not respond to their parents when they speak to them or attempt to play with them. They may fixate on inanimate objects instead of responding to the parents. While the disorder may not show itself until after the child has already shown “normal” behavior, it can sometimes be seen almost from birth.
Disorders may range from the milder form in the autism spectrum, normally referred to as Asperger syndrome, to a more severe form known as an autistic disorder. There is also high functioning autism, which shows symptoms very close to Asperger syndrome. If a child seems to have symptoms of autism, either the mild or the more sever form, yet does not fall under a certain criteria for one of these disorders, then they are normally diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder.
While it may not be a concern if a child is showing signs of delayed development, they should be evaluated by a doctor. It is important to let your physician know if you see any developmental delays in your child. If they do indeed have one of the disorders within the autistic spectrum, then there are steps that can be taken to help the child increase their development and also help the family to deal with the disorder. Even after an autism spectrum disorder is found, individuals can, in many cases learn to be functioning individuals; however, if the disorder is disregarded and nothing is done, then there is a possibility of severe delays in both communication and social skills. It is always important when any developmental delays seem apparent that the child’s physician be consulted.
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