TYLER — Autism is a disorder that affects more than three million Americans.
Child Psychiatrist Richard Idell with UT Health East Texas said this month is important because many people don't know the signs of autism, and early detection is imperative.
“Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder, which means it’s something that we think people are born with, but it’s not detected until early childhood years," Idell said.
He says there are two broad issues people with autism face.
"As people get older there's two defining features with autism, one is problems with social communication, and the other is having repetitive interests and behaviors that interfere with day-to-day functioning," Idell said.
There is an autism spectrum, and everyone diagnosed falls somewhere along it.
“At one end, you have individuals who are non-verbal, anywhere from up to a third of individuals with autism may not be able to speak, and have really profound issues with communication and communicating their needs," Idell said. "And more mild cases are cases with improved communication, and may be more just trouble with socializing and maybe having a lot of difficulty with peer relationships, struggles with learning and teachers, and just having these really fixed interests that may interfere with other parts of life.”
If you think your child might have autism, your primary care physician can give you a screening, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Click here for more information on autism.