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About Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition associated with various neurobiological disorders that have a lifelong impact on the development of a person’s skills and abilities. This includes difficulty in verbal and non-verbal communication and behaviour as well as social interaction including leisure or play activities. Autism affects a person’s ability to communicate with others, socialize and relate to the outside world. This developmental disability typically appears during the first three years of life and is a result of a neurological disorder, which affects brain function. Many individuals with autism also have an anxiety or mood disorder. Another common characteristic is an unusual attachment to objects or routines. There is still a lot that is not known about autism and opinions vary on the best way to treat it, but everyone agrees that early intervention is important.

Most parents are in the best position to spot the earliest warning signs. These involve the absence of normal behaviours rather than the presence of abnormal ones. Some of the possible signs in infants and toddlers include:

Not making eye contact (i.e., when being fed)
Not smiling back when smiled at, pointing, waving goodbye or other common gestures used to communicate
Not responding to their name or a familiar voice
Not following objects visually
Not making noise to get attention
Not cuddling or wanting to be cuddled
Not mimicking your actions or expressions
Not reaching out to be held or picked up
Not asking for help or making other basic requests
Not playing or sharing with others

Typical Milestones

According to the Mayo Clinic, these age-related cues may prompt further investigation:

6 months: an absence of big smiles/joyful expressions
9 months: not mimicking sounds, smiles or other facial expressions
12 months: not responding to their name or gesturing (i.e., pointing or waving)
16 months: no single spoken words
24 months: no two-word phrases
Any age thereafter: loss of a previously acquired language or social skill

About Mental Health

Mental health concerns as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder can have a significant impact on one’s life. One out of five children/youth struggle with mental health issues that are severe enough to seriously affect their daily functioning at home, school or within the community. It can happen to any young person, regardless of age or circumstance. The causes are varied and complex. There is no one to blame and there should be no shame in it. Mental health problems are recognizable and can be treated. Early intervention is critical to providing a hopeful and healthy future for kids dealing with mental health issues. The most common mental health disorders are anxiety, depression, attention deficit and behaviour.

Recognizing the signs is key. It can be difficult for a parent to distinguish between ‘normal’ problems that all children and youth experience from time to time, and behaviour that may be indicative of a mental health disorder.