Early Signs of Autism in Infants

Both Autism and Asperger syndrome are developmental disorders known as autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They begin in childhood and last through adulthood and can cause a wide range of symptoms.

These symptoms are usually grouped into three categories:

Social interaction difficulties - including a lack of awareness or understanding of other people's emotions and feelingsReduced language and communication skills - this can involve poor language development as a child and the inability to start conversations or take part in them properly as an adult.Unusual physical behavior and thought patterns - this includes making repetitive physical movements, such as twisting or hand tapping and distress when the pattern is broken.

In England, it is estimated that 1 in every 100 children has an ASD in some form. Boys are up to four times more likely to develop an ASD than girls.

There is currently no cure for ASD. However, a wide range of treatments, combined with specialist education and behavioral programs, can help improve symptoms.

There has been so much written in the papers, and so many heartbreaking stories of parents who are convinced their child's autism has been triggered by multiple vaccinations (MMR). But this theory has not been scientifically proven and it's now generally accepted that autism is not triggered by these vaccinations and that it is a case of the symptoms of autism most usually being diagnosed around the same age that the MMR jabs are routinely given.

So what are the earlier signs of autism in infants?

Early discovery and intervention can make a huge difference to a child's life, so try to always be aware of any delays in your baby's development and discuss anything that worries you with your GP.

If you observe any of the symptoms below on a consistent basis, (so don't count your children's occasional "off" days), talk to your GP who can decide if testing is necessary. Never fear that they will think you are a fussy parent worrying unnecessarily. It's your job to pick up the signals that something is not quite right.

Look out for:

Aged 2 to 3 months: Your baby is not making eye contact.Aged 3 months: He never smiles at youAged 6 months: He doesn't laugh.Aged around 8 months: He isn't following your gaze when you look away from him.Aged 9 months: He doesn't babble.Aged one year old: He doesn't turn to you when you call his name and doesn't wave bye-bye.Aged 12 to 14 months: He hasn't spoken a single word.Aged 14 months: He shows no curiosity and isn't pointing out things.Aged 18 months: He isn't capable of "pretend" play.Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist and the editor and leading writer for the Emma's Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as home births,fertility diet , early labour signs, baby month by month and etc. She also writes on women's health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.

Be Prepared for the Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

The thought of becoming a mother fills every lady with joy and happiness that cannot be expressed in words. There is nothing that can surpass the feeling of motherhood, they say. But not every woman knows about the initial stage or starting of pregnancy, which is usually not so sweet. The sudden changes in the body and increased hormonal activity are often misunderstood to be because of some health disorder. It is important that you know about all the signs of pregnancy before you decide to be a mother. This way you will immediately know that you are blessed with an angel, and can cherish each moment with happiness.

If you are consulting a doctor or any expert for getting pregnant, then he or she might explain you about all the symptoms of pregnancy and how to be sure. You can also look for a reliable website, blog or forum which offers complete information about the various stages of this period. There are a number of such portals active on the internet which can assist you during the hard times of emotional turmoil due to changes in your body. If you think missed or delayed period is a sure sign of p0regnancy, then it is time you start reading. If you are planning to be a mother very soon, you must know when the miraculous change has started to happen.

Missing a period is the first thing that happens when your baby enters your body. But missed period not always mean you are pregnant. It can be caused due to many other reasons like depression, too much exercise, illness, severe weight loss, etc. this means that you must be aware of other symptoms of pregnancy as well, to decide whether you are pregnant or not. These common symptoms include persistent headache, vaginal discharge - a white or clear discharge, constipation, altered taste and sickness and tiredness.

You can find detailed information about these symptoms on any online blog or forum about pregnancy. These websites have all the information that you need to know about pregnancy and how can you stay happy and healthy during these months. Not only the signs of pregnancy, but these portals also provide useful tips about baby care, healthy habits during pregnancy and sleeping and eating prescriptions. By visiting these websites and reading such information, you not only equip yourself with important knowledge to take care of yourself and the baby, but also tackle boredom of being home captive due to pregnancy.

Many such online pregnancy forums also have a collection of baby products and necessary items, which can be purchased online. The products available on these portals are tested and trusted by parents worldwide and ensure proper growth of your baby. So you not only know what to do during and after pregnancy to make your baby healthy, you can also find the right products which can assist in his or her growth.

Look for a reliable pregnancy website offering complete pregnancy information, from signs and symptoms to infant care, and enjoy every moment of being a mother with the right knowledge and guidance.

Adams Hall is an experienced journalist and the editor on Women Health topics, but he is a specialist in Pregnancy information write-ups. Adams writes on various matters such as signs of pregnancy, symptoms of pregnancy, early pregnancy symptoms and etc. He has been appreciated for his quality work by many reputed health magazines.