The statistics on autism are worrisome. One in every 150 children is diagnosed with the disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means 1.5 million Americans have some form of autism, and that number is on the rise.

Autism is a developmental disability that occurs when the brain has trouble functioning properly. It affects a child’s ability to speak, learn and communicate with others. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes it, but symptoms are often noticeable by the time a child is three years old.

Right now, there is no cure for autism, but early intervention can help. Children who are diagnosed at a young age and visit a doctor regularly for treatment show improvements in learning and communication skills. First 5 Sacramento offers the following information to help parents understand autism and connect them to the resources they need.

Early Warning Signs
Autism is complex and can be difficult to diagnose because it affects each child differently, but there are signs that parents should look out for – like the ones below. As soon as you notice symptoms you should take your child to a doctor or health care provider.
• Eye Contact. Autistic children make little or no eye contact.
• Speech. Look for late speaking or no speaking at all. Some autistic children have trouble expressing needs or do not respond to verbal communication.
• Relationships. Sometimes autistic children have difficulty relating to other people, prefer to be alone or don’t like to cuddle.
• Play. Children are active and creative, so take note if your child doesn’t play. Also keep in mind that autistic behavior sometimes includes unusual play patterns like spinning objects over and over again.
• Extreme Behaviors: Watch for extreme behavior like too much laughing or crying for no reason, tantrums and sensitivity to pain (or lack of it). Sometimes autistic kids don’t have a natural fear of danger, and are fixated on certain objects for a long time. Repetitive movements like hand-flapping also can be an early sign of autism.

The Sooner, The Better
Since there are no specific medical tests for autism, it’s important that parents, caretakers, teachers and health care providers pay close attention to a child’s communication, behavior and development. Screenings for autism can take time, so it’s a good idea to get started as soon as symptoms are noticed.
• Early Intervention. Research shows that early intervention reduces the effects of autism. By starting treatment at an early age (0 to 3) when the brain is developing, children can make great progress by the time they start kindergarten.
• Treatment. Autistic children benefit from programs that help develop their communication, social and mental skills. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, some of the most common treatment options include speech therapy, diet and treatments that focus on improving relationships.

Resources Available to Help
If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait – talk to your doctor or health care provider about getting an autism screening. The following services can also help:
• WarmLine Family Resource Center. WarmLine is the family support part of Early Start services. They can answer questions about Early Start and give referrals to have your child assessed or where to get services. For more information call 916-922-9276.
• California Department of Developmental Services. For children under age 3, call 1-800-515-BABY (2229) and select the “Early Start” extension number.
• The Autism Society of America (ASA). The Autism Society of America has chapters throughout California and provides information on symptoms and treatments.
• Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism.

First 5 Sacramento encourages all parents to be aware of their child’s development and share any concerns with a health care professional. For more information on parenting resources or other First 5 Sacramento programs, please call 916-876-5865 or visit www.First5Sacramento.net.

About First 5 Sacramento
California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes to support programs for expectant parents and children ages zero to five. First 5 Sacramento distributes approximately $17 million a year in Prop. 10 revenues to programs and services that meet local needs.