Autism Know the Facts

Autism Spectrum Disorder  (ASD) 

It all started with an incredible little boy, an ongoing problem and a need to solve a problem. 

I am not the sort of mother that enjoys "labels" or referring to a person as "Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD".  I certainly didn't want my own child referred to as having "Autism".. 

For years, I had no clue my little guy was suffering from this horrible word and the effects of "autism spectrum disorder" a few doctors later a label was attached. 

I understand the logo design for "Autism Spectrum Disorder", it's a puzzle piece.  What people don't understand is the process of which a parent must travel, all to obtain this label of "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)" for any child. Were you aware, that the warning signs for "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) " are the following things to look for in your child, or perhaps a child that you know:

1. Won't make eye contact. (see my little guy above) 
2. Refuses to speak prior to the age of 3 years old. (my little guy, grunted and pointed) 
3. Walks on tipsy toes. Will not walk with both feet firmly planted on the floor
4. Might refuse some foods or lean towards the salty crunchy foods, like crackers or potato chips.
5. Covers hands over hears while in a large crowd or where this is a lot of noise. 
6. Fixed on toys that either have wheels or loud in color and will play with these toys for hours at a time. 
7. Might spin around in circles, hit head on floor, flap hands, jump up and down. Look for repetitiveness in motions that can not be controlled by child. 
8. Can't handle changes. 
9. Easily becomes frustrated when something is moved or changed inside living environment.  
10. Has trouble making friends because the child has no sense of personal space of other children. 
11. Can't sleep a full night in bed. 
12. Enjoys small spaces, cat bed, small box, small basket, dresser drawer, upright hamper, wrapped in towel or blanket. 
13. Has a keen mental mind of being able to recall almost all details of an event or outing. 
14. Chews on the collar of shirts, sleeves until completely soaked through. 
15. Knows only of one interesting topic, knows all about that topic and can recite all details of that topic to anyone whom ask about that topic. My little guy knows everything about, "Star Wars". 
16.  Can't stand certain material of clothing. (My little guy only wears, cotton). 
17. Can't button clothing, tie shoes and hates certain socks on the feet. 
18. Is unwilling to toilet train. (My little guy at age 8, still is not potty trained) 
19. Has to control the environment in which they are inside. 
20. Wonders away, or escapes the house or car seat, stroller or while shopping wonders off for no reason at all. 

Above, I have mentioned a few of the most concerning effects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) . Parents need to know what to look for when they suspect or see a child with the above warning symptoms. What is a parent to do... ?  Call your doctor and make an appointment and tell your doctor that you would greatly appreciate if (he or she) took the time to look over your child to see if your child falls into the category of having Autism Spectrum Disorder. Test can be performed and doctors can help with reaching a diagnosis of autism. Not all children have autism, some might fall into the category of having OCD, or ADHD or some other form of autism which is Aspergers Syndrome.  The only difference I have personally found concerning, Autism and Aspergers Syndrome is the age of which a child starts to verbally communicate. Generally speaking, those children who suffer from Aspergers Syndrome can speak clearly but are still on the Autism Scale. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)  is a developmental disability of neurological condition affecting normal brain function, development and social interactions. 

5% of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are affected by fragile "X" and 10% to 20% of those with fragile "X" show autistic traits. 

The annual cost of providing services for people with "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)" is $90 million, in 10 years, that number is projected to be $200 to $400 billion. 

It is said that, 1 in 80 people suffer from "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

I have read many books online and off line, downloaded countless help materials and pdf files all in my quest to better understand my own little boys world. I soon realized that his world, as he has come to know it, is not the same world in which I reside in daily. It's a new world, a world of beauty like no other world, I have ever known. The details that my son see's through his own eyes, bring a new definition to the word; "beautiful". 

A butterfly can clearly be seen by the human eyes. However, through the eyes of an autistic child, it's clear that the cells of the wings are fully expanded. Each wing offering a unique design of colors. The black dots how they line the tail end of each wing and how many dots there actually are. The legs, how they offer a swift bend, close to the end of each leg. How they land, gracefully on a flower. Never leaving out any details of the view from my own child's eyes. 

Because of the way my own son views his world, I entered into a new world, of beauty, sameness of routines, meltdowns and non eating. 

If you feel your child might have "Autism Spectrum Disorder" (ASD)

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If you have something you would like to share concerning this topic, please leave a comment below, I will personally answer all questions or comments.