Be aware of early autism warning signs
The disorder affects people in varying degrees in what is termed the “quadrant of impairments” which cause a disturbance. The disturbance is caused in the language and communication, the social interaction, the imagination as well as the creative play or sensory perceptions of sufferers.
Autism Day celebratedWorld Autism Day was celebrated on April 2 and in recognition of the disorder, some people wore blue on the day.
According to the medical dictionaries, Autism is a mental condition in which a person finds it difficult to communicate or form relationships with others.
The disorder affects people in varying degrees in what is termed the “quadrant of impairments” which cause a disturbance. The disturbance is caused in the language and communication, the social interaction, the imagination as well as the creative play or sensory perceptions of sufferers.
According to the chief executive officer of the Avril Elizabeth Home for the mentally handicapped, Ms Kathy Jooste, the following stimuli are slowly introduced; lighting effects, colour, sounds, music, materials and scents to stimulate the various senses. These help the patients to calm down and provide a safe and soothing environment for people with autism.
People should be aware of the following signs and potential indicators of autism. Should any of these sign manifest, consult your family doctor or paediatrician for referral to a developmental paediatrician for assessment.
Communication signs:
- No babbling by 11 months of age.
- No simple gestures by 12 months of age, like waving.
- No single words by 16 months.
- No two-word phrases by 24 months.
- No response when name is called and loss of any language or social skills at any age.
Behavioural signs:
- Odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hands.
- Oversensitivity to certain textures, sounds or lights.
- Lack of interest in toys or plays with them in an unusual way, like opening and closing parts rather than playing with the toy as a whole.
- Compulsions or rituals, like performing activities in a special way or certain sequence, and being prone to a tantrum if that ritual is interrupted.
- Pre-occupation with unusual interests such as light switches, doors, wheels and unusual fears.
Social signs:
- Rarely makes eye-contact when interacting with people.
- Doesn’t take part in activities such as peek-a-boo.
- Does not point to show things he or she is interested in and rarely smiles.
To find out more about the Avril Elizabeth Home, or how the home helps those with disorders, visit www.avril.org.za or phone 011 822-2233.
