Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in Arkansas, is presently occurring at a rate of one out of every 145 children with a ratio higher in males than females. Recently I received an email asking for a website listing characteristics of autism in children. An Arkansas Baptist church member was trying to help someone who suspected their child might be autistic. An excellent website, www.cdc.gov, would help anyone who is trying to gather accurate information. The web site features articles covering signs and characteristics of children ages 3 months to 5 years old. Below is a quote from the CDC website which gives an idea of the information provided.

What are some of the signs of ASDs?

People with ASDs may have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASDs also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. ASDs begin during early childhood and last throughout a person's life.

A child or adult with an ASD might:

• not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll)
• not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over)
• not look at objects when another person points at them
• have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
• avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
• prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to
• appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds
• be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
• repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia)
• have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
• repeat actions over and over again
• have trouble adapting when a routine changes
• have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
• ose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were once using)

Note: Contact your child’s doctor or nurse if your child experiences a

dramatic loss of skills at any age.

What can I do if I think my child has an ASD?

If you or your doctor think there could be a problem, ask for a referral to see a developmental pediatrician or other specialist, and you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older). To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities by logging on to www.nichcy.org or calling 1-800-695-0285. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has links to information for families on their Autism Information Center Web page.

Right now, the main research-based treatment for ASDs is intensive structured teaching of skills, often called behavioral intervention. It is very important to begin this intervention as early as possible in order to help your child reach his or her full potential. Acting early can make a real difference.