Autism impacts millions of children, adults, and their families around the world. There is a genetic link, siblings of a child with autism have a greater chance of being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorders affect not only the person diagnosed with the disorder, but also has s significant impact on the entire family with a variety of social, financial, and other practical demands. Autism is characterized by what is clinically described as “deficits in social reciprocity.” Social reciprocity may include a range of back-and-forth actions, such as gestures, sounds, play, attention, and conversation. Further, ritualistic and obsessive behaviors are often present. In addition, a child with an autism spectrum disorder may have uncontrollable temper tantrums, an extreme resistance to change, and over- or under-sensitivity to sights and sounds. The symptoms are varied, but one thing is clear: the earlier a child is diagnosed and begins receiving services, the better the prognosis for the …show more content…
Generally, children are 3 to 4 years old before they show enough symptoms for parents to seek a diagnosis. There is no set pattern of symptoms and signs in children with PDD-NOS. Strange behavior is not always clearly visible. PDD-NOS comes in a severe form and in a milder form. Children with milder PPD-NOS symptoms often want to make friends or interact with them. However, they often act a bit strange compared to their peers and do not know how to make new friends. They do not develop typical attachment behavior, and there may seem to be a failure to bond. Generally, they do not follow their parents about the house. The majority do not show normal separation or stranger anxiety. These children may approach a stranger almost as readily as they do their parents. When they grow older they often stay close to their parents and other people that are around but they are not well able to make new friends. Communication is frequently the biggest problem for children with PDD-NOS. They can also have problems with recognizing facial expressions and emotions. They don’t know how to act when someone is laughing or crying because they don’t fully understand the meaning of that behavior. Just like in autism, children with PDD-NOS symptoms often stick to one topic