Autism Symptoms Checklist
Autism has a resemblance with mental retardation, deafness or severe reactive disturbances that is why it is very difficult to have an accurate diagnosis of autism.
For a conclusive diagnosis of autism the following could be applied:
One diagnostic tool – autism symptoms checklist – could be used when considering a possible cause of autism. The checklist contains 14 behavioral signs and symptoms that could aid the physician in reaching his diagnosis, although no single item is significant alone.
1. Difficulty in mixing with other children.
2. Acts as deaf.
3. Resists learning.
4. No fear of real dangers.
5. Resists change in routine.
6. Indicates needs by gestures.
7. Inappropriate laughing and giggling.
8. Does not want to be cuddled.
9. Marked physical over-activity.
10. No eye contact.
11. Inappopriate attachments to objects.
12. Spins objects.
13. Sustained odd play.
14. Standoffish manner.
Moreover, as normal children - or abnormal children who are not autistic - may behave in any of these ways, autistic children exhibit seven or more of these traits and their abnormal behavior is constant and inappropriate for their age.
The patient should be given thorough medical, developmental and intelligence tests. The social history of the child in question is also vital to provide the full information needed for a conclusive diagnosis.
At this point in time we do not know what specifically causes autism so we cannot yet really cure children with this disorder. However, people with autism can and do get better. They can lead happy productive lives when appropriate treatment is begun.
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