Jonathan's Autism
Signs of autism

Home

What is autism ?
Signs of autism
How autistic people experience the world ?
Recommended Reading
Jonathan's pictures
Jonathan's new pictures
Jonathan Now
Favorite Links
Contact Me
El mundo autista de Jonathan(spanish)

Here are some of the signs that you need to check, because there's different levels of autism, not all signs need to be together :

1. Does your child take an interest in other children?
2. Does your child pretend, for example,that he's driving and he pretend to imitate the engine sound?
3. Does your child ever use his finger to point or to ask for something ?
4. Does your child ever bring objects to you to show you something?
5. Has the child made eyes contact with you? for how long?
6. Get the child attention , and say oh look at the...! Does your child look at what are you pointing at ?
7 Does your child like to be touch or being kissed?
8. Does your child like having his hair or his teeth  brushed?  
 
If your answer is"NO" to some of the questions, 
please  check the next one :    
 
* Throws a tantrum easily ?
* Is delayed in his language ?
* Has a hard time sitting still ?
* Walks on toes ?
* Overreacts to commom noises in public places ?
* Covers his ears at times?
* Doesn't like being in groups ?
* Has not tolerance for noisy household appliances (vacuums, blenders )
* Hums or sings to himself frequently ?
* Holds objets close to his eyes?
* Walks near to a wall while watching it ?
* Is fascinated with shiny objects ?
* Likes order (lines up objects)?
* Is a picky  eater ?
* Avoids the kitchen ?
* Smell his food before eating it ?
* Need to jump or spin ?
* Loves to watch a carttoon or a video tape over and over ?
* Does he pays attention only to the toys that has sounds and lights?
* Does he try to bang his head againts the wall?
* Avoid certain textures of materials like play clay, mud,etc
* Plays roughly
 
If your answer is yes to some of this questions, you need to check  with your child's doctor.
 
 
 

jonathanplaying.jpg

"A classic autistic child won't espontaneously play peeka-boo or share his delight in a toy,he will not engage in a pretend play,for example, using a banana as a phone or a pistol . His interest will be doorknobs, license plates or anything that spin." 

Childs Block Rotating

jonathanandkitty.jpg

Taking a nap after school...

Jonathan today...

He's a very active, affectionate, and playful boy, who is learning and growing daily. He loves to laugh, play and pretend. He likes to swim  at the pool. He still struggles with his language and his tantrums, but he has a long way ahead.

 
 
Advise for parents

1-Get a diagnosis
If you are concerned, see a doctor who's familiar with autism.Don't assume the child will cacth up.
2-Get help
Special schools and speech therapy are often critical.
3-Know your rights
The government mandates services, your son has the right to recive help from the government , you can go to ask in your school area.
4-Seek support
You have many resources in the internet, I'll give you some that you can find in my favorite links. 

Here's a list of some of my favorite Publications:

 The Advocate
7910  Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20814-3015
 
Closing the Gap
526 Main Street
P.O. Box 68
Henderson, MN 56044
 
Autism Research Review International
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116