K12 Educational Learning Disabilities

During the 1940s, two major discoveries were made concerning disorders in the autistic spectrum. Dr. Leo Kanner, during a study of 11 children, brought information to the world concerning what is now known as autism. Also, Dr Hans Asperger, while doing his own studies, came across what we now know to be Asperger syndrome. There are different disorders in the autism spectrum and afflicted individuals will be affected in varying degrees. These disorders cause problems with socialization, communication skills and some of them cause repetitive behavior patterns.

An autistic spectrum disorder can be first noticed in a child by the age of 3 and in many cases much earlier. It is normally the parent who is the first to notice the behaviors or at times, the lack of certain behaviors of their children. Children who are stricken by disorders of the autism spectrum act differently than other children and sometimes do so from birth. They are most often unresponsive to parents and other individuals and will focus on objects that are not of any relevance, for an extended period of time. The child may also show signs of changes as they develop. If a child was once able to focus and interact with parents and others by babbling and cooing and suddenly becomes resistant to socialization, then this could be a cause for concern.

Disorders may range from the milder form in the autism spectrum, normally referred to as Asperger syndrome, to a more severe form known as an autistic disorder. There is also high functioning autism, which shows symptoms very close to Asperger syndrome. If a child seems to have symptoms of autism, either the mild or the more sever form, yet does not fall under a certain criteria for one of these disorders, then they are normally diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder.

Autistic spectrum disorders are not always noticed right away because children all show different developmental changes at different times in their lives. The key is in knowing when it is simply the child’s development or if there could be a problem. If the delays in development continue, then it is always best to consult with a physician. They can tell you if the child should be tested for autism spectrum disorders, as well as to provide you with information about what you can do and what to expect, if indeed the child does have one of the disorders related to autism.

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