Autism

About 1 in 44 children has autism in the United States, and it’s becoming more common. At Professional Pediatrics, compassionate pediatrician Benjamin Valdez, MD, and the caring team provide expert autism evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment plans for children in and around Roseville, California. For help from a team you can depend on, call the office to book your child’s appointment today.

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects behavior, communication, learning, and social skills. It’s called a spectrum disorder because the symptoms can vary quite widely by person.

Most children with autism hit their motor skill milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking at the expected times. However, communication and social skills don’t develop at the same pace. 

The disorder may be diagnosed as early as 12 months of age, however, the diagnosis of autism is most reliable at 18 months and older. 

What are the signs of autism? 

Autism symptoms usually appear by age 2 or earlier. Children with autism typically have issues such as communication difficulties, problems interacting with others, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Some examples of symptoms include: 

• Lack of or infrequent eye contact 
• Appearing to not listen
• Expressions and movements don’t match words
• Unusual way of speaking, like a flat or singsong voice
• Rarely showing strong emotion or interest
• Slow or no response to their name
• Extreme sensitivity and resistance to change
• Focusing sharply on minute details
• Hyperfocus interest on certain topics
• Difficulty participating in imaginative play
• Repeating words or phrases frequently
• Strong sensory responses, like sensitivity to bright lights

These symptoms may come along with constructive traits, like academic excellence in a specific area like math or art or an exceptional long-term memory.

How is autism treated?

Autism treatment involves an intervention plan tailored to your child’s symptoms, developmental stage, and unique needs. The Professional Pediatrics team recommends behavioral, psychological, and educational support. In some cases, children might need medication to manage symptoms. 

Through treatment, your child can learn new skills, reduce disruptive behaviors, build on their strengths, and learn life skills that will serve them well long-term. 

Do immunizations cause autism?

Genetics and environment likely play a role in autism, however immunizations do not. Multiple studies have confirmed that neither immunizations or the individual ingredients in immunizations cause autism. Immunizations protect your child from many potentially deadly diseases, so they’re vital for all children. 

It’s true that autism rates have sharply increased, tripling over the last 20 years. But, that increase is likely at least partially due to increased awareness of the disorder and improved diagnostic tools, rather than immunizations.

Call Professional Pediatrics to make your child’s appointment today.