April is Autism Awareness Month

Friday; April 3, 2009

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neuro-developmental disorders that are marked by deficits in an individual’s skills for reciprocal social interaction, language acquisition, and social communication, as well as the demonstration of repetitive behaviors and/or restricted patterns of interest.  The Behavioral & Developmental Services Department offers screening and evaluation for children suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Our department provides services by Developmental Pediatricians, a Child Psychiatrist, and several psychologists who have extensive experience with diagnosing and supporting children with ASD and supporting them and their families.  If you are concerned about your child’s development, specifically that he/she may be demonstrating some “red flags” for ASD, please contact our office at 215-612-7625 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional staff. 

Important Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD):

No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months.
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or facial expressions by 9 months.
No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving bye-bye by 12 months.
No babbling at 12 months.
No single words at 16 months.
No 2-word spontaneous (non-echolalic) phrases by 24 months.
Failure to attend to human voice by 24 months.
Failure to look at face and eyes of others by 24 months.
Failure to orient to name by 24 months.
Failure to demonstrate interest in other children by 24 months.
Failure to imitate by 24 months.
Any loss of any language of social skill at any age.