Behaviors of Autistic Children
Autism is characterized by three distinctive behaviors.
Autistic children:
- Have difficulties with social interaction
- Display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication
- Exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests.
Some autistic children can function at a relatively high level, with speech and intelligence intact. Others have serious cognitive impairments and language delays, and some never speak.
In addition, autistic children may seem closed off and shut down, or locked into repetitive behaviors and rigid patterns of thinking. An infant with autism may avoid eye contact, seem deaf, and abruptly stop developing language skills. The child may act as if unaware of the coming and going of others, or physically attack and injure others without provocation. Infants with autism often remain fixated on a single item or activity, rock or flap their hands, seem insensitive to burns and bruises, and may even mutilate themselves.
Autistic Children: Causes of Autism
Scientists aren't certain what causes autism, but it's likely that both genetics and environment play a role.
Treatment for Autistic Children
There is no cure for autism. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement.
The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that target the core
symptoms of autism: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines and interests. Most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention for autistic children, the better.
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