Characteristics

Characteristics are evident in the first 3 years of life. They appear to be “on level” and then seem to take steps backward in their development. Children with autism might have a difficult time using their imagination, having social interactions, and communicating with others. They have difficulty starting conversations and responding appropriately. Holding eye contact and understanding other’s emotions or behavior can be very difficult.

Children with Autism have limited language and may prefer to use gestures over words. About 40% of children with autism do not talk at all. About 25%–30% of children with autism speak some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them. Other children may not start to speak until later in life. These children may also have a difficult time focusing on what other people are looking at or directing others attention to communicate.

Autistic children might show signs of being overly sensitive to sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste. Inconsistent routines can cause distress to autistic children. These children may make repeated movements or be overly attached to physical objects. Children with autism often throw tantrums if routines change and they may be overly aggressive toward others or even themselves.

It is still being researched but it is possible that autism is genetic. Parents who have a child with autism have a 2%–8% chance of having another child who has autism. Research has shown that in identical twins if one child has autism, then the other has a 60-96% chance of also being affected. In non-identical twins, if one child has autism, then the other is affected about 0-24% of the time.

Autism is often combined with other disorders. About 10% of children with autism have a genetic, neurologic or metabolic disorder, some common ones are Fragile X or Down Syndrome and about 30-51% of children who have autism also have an intellectual disability.

Autism can lead to expensive costs for the family. Recent studies have estimated that the lifetime cost to care for a child with autism is $3.2 million compared to about $300,000 for children without autism. This estimate for children without autism is through the age of 18 when most children are able to care for themselves unlike children with autism. Individuals with autism have medical bill averaging $4- 6,000 per year more than children without.