Given the prevalence of autism these days, both statistically (about 1 in 88 kids has it) and in the news, it’s natural for new parents to watch their babies for signs of autism. Now a new video on the early signs of autism is available free to parents, and it’s very insightful.
Developed by autism researchers at Baltimore’s Kennedy Krieger Institute, the nine-minute Bringing The Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder Into Focus video includes three clips of 1-year-olds who are developing in a typical way, and compares them to videos of children the same age showing signs of autism spectrum disorder. The video is divided into three parts: Seeing social opportunity through play, making social connections, and effective communication and sharing enjoyment.
Knowing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder is important; early intervention during a child’s critical developing years can make a tremendous difference, whether for autism or other special needs. Researchers say signs of autism can be spotted in infants as young as four months old; check out this month-by-month guide of autism signs. But watching children in a video can be particularly eye-opening—take a look, and do not hesitate to check in with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtvP5A5OHpU
From my other blog:
On taking a child with sensory issues to the movies for the first time
An easy DIY fabric-covered bulletin board (great for posting all that emergency info)!
Totally awkward special-needs parent moments
Image: Screen grab from Bringing the Early Signs of Autism Spectrum into Focus