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In the first three years of your child’s life, you may notice that he or she is not responding in a way that children usually do. Perhaps the child isn’t talking at all, or does not make the sounds typical of a baby who is learning to talk. Babies between these ages typically exhibit some sort of curiosity to their surroundings. If your child does not, further testing is required.

Autistic children display all of the above tendencies, and many more. Your child may become overly aggressive, or more passive than usual. They often refuse to interact with other people, both children and adults. They prefer the quiet of their own company. They may startle easily, or not at all. An autistic child doesn’t start or maintain any kind of conversation. You may notice that they are slow to react to any stimulation, yet they will repeat certain movements over and over. In your confusion, you may mistakenly decide that your child is just being stubborn. Punishment for these tendencies is the wrong thing to do.

Autistic children are often more sensitive to certain things such as sights, sounds, and smells. They get very upset if any normal routine is changed. They may become unusually attached to certain objects. Repetitive body movement is another sign that behavior is not normal. Children who begin to exhibit these tendencies after a period of normal development should be examined by a specialist. You, as the parent, will be able to observe your child and fully explain to the doctor what it is that your child is doing that is causing you concern.

Children who have been diagnosed as autistic are unable to interact socially. They are not able to make friends or play any games that require them to interact. They begin to withdraw, and smile less often, if at all. They are also unable to make eye contact with others. They prefer their own company, and will sit for hours staring at an object. Conversation is almost impossible for these children. They are unable to start or maintain one. Their language is very slow to develop, or they refuse to speak at all. They will often refer to themselves as “self,” and they may repeat certain phrases over and over. It may be something that they have heard on television, and it becomes ’stuck’ in their mind.

If your child has been diagnosed as autistic, don’t despair, and do not blame yourself. The reasons are widely unknown, yet genetics don’t seem to play a part in someone being autistic. Your child can lead a full, productive life if treatment aimed at his or her individual needs is established at an early age. Many autistic children learn and grow up quite comfortably in whatever capacity they are capable of.

Special programs have been developed to treat the autistic child. There are many that have been developed and tested that are geared toward enabling the child to move forward to a more normal way of life. Occupational therapy will teach them to do productive things, physical therapy will work with any disabilities the child has, and speech therapy will help them learn to speak and interact with others. There is an abundance of help available for you and your autistic child.