Do You Really Know Autism?
Please ask a doctor if you are concerned
WHAT IS AUTISM?
Autism is a development disorder that appears in the first three years of life, and affects the brain's development of social and communication skills. Many people think that autism is a disease, but it's not. Autism is four times more likely to affect boys compared to girls, and 1 in 68 children is autistic. Here are some signs and early signs of autism:
- no big smiles by 6 months
- no back and fourth sounds, smiles, ect. by 9 months
- no babbling by 12 months
- no gesturing by 12 months
- no words by 16 months
- no 2-word phrases (sometimes meaningful) by 24 months
- loss of speech, babbling, or social skills (any age)
- doesn't make eye contact
- doesn't smile after being smiled at
- doesn't respond to a family member's voice or their name
- doesn't visually follow objects
- doesn't point, wave, ect. to communicate
- doesn't point when you point stuff out
- doesn't make sounds for attention
- doesn't respond to cuddling
- doesn't imitate your facial expressions or movements
- doesn't reach out to be picked up
- doesn't play or share feelings and interests with others
- doesn't ask for help
- doesn't ask for basic requests
AUTISM AWARNESS
There are many autism signs, but this one is one of my favorites:
SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM
Look at the paragraph above to find some symptoms of autism.
LIVING WITH AUTISM
I have lived with an autistic sibling my entire life. Look at the paragraph below to read more.
LIVING WITH AUTISM
LIVING WITH AN AUTISTIC SIBLING
I have lived with my sister, Ava, ever since I was 5 years old. She is autistic, and it is tough when she gets upset about something and throws herself on the ground an starts crying. She does this often. This is because some of the signs above, and autistic children do some pretty weird things sometimes. But, Ava and I have a good bond and just because she has autism, doesn't mean I treat her any more different than anyone else.