The Child with Autism
Most infants and young children are very social creatures who need and want contact
with others to thrive and grow. They smile, cuddle, laugh, and respond eagerly to games
like "peek-a-boo" or hide-and-seek. Occasionally, however, a child does not interact in
this expected manner. Instead, the child seems to exist in his or her own world, a place
characterized by repetitive routines, odd and peculiar behaviors, problems in
communication, and a total lack of social awareness or interest in others. These are
characteristics of a developmental disorder called autism.
Autism is usually identified by the time a child is 30 months old. It is often discovered
when parents become concerned that their child may be deaf, is not yet talking, resists
cuddling, and avoids interaction with others.
Some of the early signs and symptoms which suggest a young child may need further
evaluation for autism include:
• no smiling by six months of age
• no back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles or facial expressions by nine months
• no babbling, pointing, reaching or waving by 12 months
• no single words by 16 months
• no two word phrases by 24 months
• regression in development
• any loss of speech, babbling or social skills
A preschool age child with "classic" autism is generally withdrawn, aloof, and fails to
respond to other people. Many of these children will not even make eye contact. They
may also engage in odd or ritualistic behaviors like rocking, hand flapping, or an
obsessive need to maintain order.
Many children with autism do not speak at all. Those who do may speak in rhyme, have
echolalia (repeating a person's words like an echo), refer to themselves as a "he" or "she,"
or use peculiar language.
The severity of autism varies widely, from mild to severe. Some children are very bright
and do well in school, although they have problems with school adjustment. They may be
able to live independently when they grow up. Other children with autism function at a
much lower level. Mental retardation is commonly associated with autism.
Occasionally, a child with autism may display an extraordinary talent in art, music, or
another specific area. The cause of autism remains unknown, although current theories indicate a problem with the function or structure of the central nervous system. What we do know, however, is that parents do not cause autism.
Children with autism need a comprehensive evaluation and specialized behavioral and
educational programs. Some children with autism may also benefit from treatment with
medication. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are trained to diagnose autism, and to help
families design and implement an appropriate treatment plan. They can also help families
cope with the stress which may be associated with having a child with autism.
Although there is no cure for autism, appropriate specialized treatment provided early in
life can have a positive impact on the child's development and produce an overall
reduction in disruptive behaviors and symptoms.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
Most infants and young children are very social creatures who need and want contact
with others to thrive and grow. They smile, cuddle, laugh, and respond eagerly to games
like "peek-a-boo" or hide-and-seek. Occasionally, however, a child does not interact in
this expected manner. Instead, the child seems to exist in his or her own world, a place
characterized by repetitive routines, odd and peculiar behaviors, problems in
communication, and a total lack of social awareness or interest in others. These are
characteristics of a developmental disorder called autism.
Autism is usually identified by the time a child is 30 months old. It is often discovered
when parents become concerned that their child may be deaf, is not yet talking, resists
cuddling, and avoids interaction with others.
Some of the early signs and symptoms which suggest a young child may need further
evaluation for autism include:
• no smiling by six months of age
• no back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles or facial expressions by nine months
• no babbling, pointing, reaching or waving by 12 months
• no single words by 16 months
• no two word phrases by 24 months
• regression in development
• any loss of speech, babbling or social skills
A preschool age child with "classic" autism is generally withdrawn, aloof, and fails to
respond to other people. Many of these children will not even make eye contact. They
may also engage in odd or ritualistic behaviors like rocking, hand flapping, or an
obsessive need to maintain order.
Many children with autism do not speak at all. Those who do may speak in rhyme, have
echolalia (repeating a person's words like an echo), refer to themselves as a "he" or "she,"
or use peculiar language.
The severity of autism varies widely, from mild to severe. Some children are very bright
and do well in school, although they have problems with school adjustment. They may be
able to live independently when they grow up. Other children with autism function at a
much lower level. Mental retardation is commonly associated with autism.
Occasionally, a child with autism may display an extraordinary talent in art, music, or
another specific area. The cause of autism remains unknown, although current theories indicate a problem with the function or structure of the central nervous system. What we do know, however, is that parents do not cause autism.
Children with autism need a comprehensive evaluation and specialized behavioral and
educational programs. Some children with autism may also benefit from treatment with
medication. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are trained to diagnose autism, and to help
families design and implement an appropriate treatment plan. They can also help families
cope with the stress which may be associated with having a child with autism.
Although there is no cure for autism, appropriate specialized treatment provided early in
life can have a positive impact on the child's development and produce an overall
reduction in disruptive behaviors and symptoms.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013