Autism Symptoms Checklist

An Autism Symptoms Checklist can give a parent an insight into the signs and symptoms of Autism.What is an Autism Symptoms Checklist? It is a checklist outlining the signs symptoms and characteristics of Autism designed to help parents who suspect their child may have Autism.

There are several characteristics of Autism a child can display . Due to the fact that all children are individuals they may not display all the signs symptoms and characterisitcs of Autism on this checklist However if you suspect your child has signs and symptoms of Autism you should seek medical advice.

1. Make little or no eye contact

2. Do not speak as well as other children their age

3. Do not try to communicate by pointing or miming

4. Do not use their imagination during play

5 Show no response when smiled at

6. Tend to spin toys rather than play with them

7.Can become unusually attached to objects

8 Would rather play alone because they do not interact with other children

9 Are prone to tantrums for no apparent reason.

AN AUTISM SYMPTOMS CHECKLIST EXPLAINED

Quite often a child suffering from Autism will have no eye contact and will often give the appearance of being deaf. They show little or no facial reaction.

When playing they do not point to objects or try to bring your attention to anything that seems to be of interest to them. they do not seek to share enjoyment interests or achievements.

They do not speak as well as children the same age as them.It is true that all children learn to speak at varying stages, but the child with autism laughs and giggles inapropriately and tends to repeat words and phrases out of context.

They do not attempt to communicate in other ways through alternative measures ie. gestures or mime.When playing the Autistic child seems to have little or no imaginative skills and will often spin objects compulsively or develop attachments to certain object.

Children with Autism show no emotion or even reject any form of closeness,ie.they do not like to be cuddled or tickled. A soft teddy bear can cause a violent reaction because what may seem soft and cuddly to us can be repelant to the child with Autism.

All children need some sort of routine in their life, but the Autistic child can become very disturbed by even the slightest variation from their set routine.

DIGESTIVE enzyme capsules can help treat gut problems associated with autism, according to some doctors, scientists and parents of autistic children. There are numerous foods that some children with autism are unable to eat for example dairy, eggs or grains - wheat, rye and oats which contain gluten. Eating these foods can trigger episodes of extreme aggression or self-harm,

A 2002 study by Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital found more than 50 per cent of autistic children appear to have gastrointestinal symptoms, food allergies, and maldigestion or malabsorption problems.

These problems seemed to be linked with the social, emotional and cognitive problems associated with autism.

The autism-gut link is a contentious concept, but those researchers, doctors and parents who believe in it agree that the most problematic foods for autistic people are those that contain the proteins casein - found in dairy foods - and gluten, which is found in many grains including wheat, rye, barley and oats, according to Sydney paediatrician Antony Underwood, who specialises in treating autistic children.

"Digestive enzymes have a role in the treatment of autism, particularly the DPP-4 enzyme which breaks down the gluten and casein," Dr Underwood says.

"This enzyme is thought not to function in autistic children, hence their difficulties with these foods.

"The incomplete broken down peptides affect the behaviour of the children by acting as an opioid analogue."

This "opioid excess" theory is controversial, but many parents have observed that casein and gluten foods make their children vague, sluggish and "spacey".

Others find these foods can make their children upset or aggressive.

Underwood says that following a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet helps about 70 per cent of autistic people.

He argues that the enzymes are a useful adjunct to such a diet, especially where infractions may occur or foods may be tainted by traces of casein or gluten, but they cannot replace the diet.

However, US scientist and enzyme manufacturer Devin Houston, PhD, says many parents have found that enzymes allow them to take their children off the diet without triggering side-effects or behavioural regressions.

"What enzymes are doing is supporting the digestion of foods, especially proteins, that for some reason cause certain behavioural problems," Dr Houston says.

But he cautions that enzymes are not a cure for autism.

"The children who take enzymes are often better, but they are still autistic," he says.