Autism
Autism is one of the mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders that appears in early childhood. Autistic children may have a serious lifelong disability. However, with appropriate treatment and training, some autistic children can develop certain aspects of independence in their lives. Parents should support their autistic children in developing those skills that use their strengths so they will feel good about themselves.

What are some signs of autism?
When an infant or toddler:

• does not cuddle or respond to affection and touching
• does not make eye contact
• appears to be unable to communicate
• displays persistent failure to develop two-way social relationships in any situation
• does not show a preference for parents over other adults
• does not develop friendships with other children
• has poor language skills; or nonexistent ones
• shows unusual, extreme responses to objects – either avoidance or preoccupation
• finds moving objects, such as a fan, hold great fascination
• may form an unusual attachment to odd objects such as a paper or rubber band

The symptoms of autism range from mild to severe. Although symptoms of the disorder sometimes can be seen in early infancy, the condition may appear after months of normal development. About 7 in every 10 children and adolescents with autism also have mental retardation or other problems with their brain function or structure.

Recent studies estimate that as many as 14 children out of 10,000 may have autism or a related condition. About 125,000 Americans are affected by these disorders, and nearly 4,000 families across the country have two or more children with autism. Three times as many boys as girls have autism.

Parents who suspect autism in their child should ask their family doctor or pediatrician to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who can accurately diagnose the autism and the degree of severity, and determine the appropriate educational measures.


Asperger’s Syndrome (AS)
Unlike children with autism, children with AS retain their early language skills. The most distinguishing symptom of AS is a child’s obsessive interest in a single object or topic to the exclusion of any other.  Children with AS want to know everything about their topic of interest and their conversations with others will be about little else.  Their expertise, high level of vocabulary, and formal speech patterns make them seem like little professors.  Other characteristics of AS include repetitive routines or rituals; peculiarities in speech and language; socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior and the inability to interact successfully with peers; problems with non-verbal communication; and clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements.

Children with AS are isolated because of their poor social skills and narrow interests.  They may approach other people, but make normal conversation impossible by inappropriate or eccentric behavior, or by wanting only to talk about their singular interest.  Children with AS usually have a history of developmental delays in motor skills such as pedaling a bike, catching a ball, or climbing outdoor play equipment.  They are often awkward and poorly coordinated with a walk that can appear either stilted or bouncy.

Getting Help
If you have concerns or questions, help is available. Go to the find help section of this site for support and services in your area.

Sources: Wisconsin United for Mental Health, Office of the United States Surgeon General, National Institute on Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and Mental Health America