Can teachers diagnose early signs of autism?

August 26, 2006

Can teachers diagnose autism? Preschool teachers are not qualified to diagnose learning disabilities, autism, ADD, or any other developmental difference or delay. Any teacher who takes a parent aside to suggest "your little boy seems to be autistic" is stepping way beyond her appropriate role. That said, teachers are among the best qualified people to observe and note differences between children -- and to authoritatively state that a child is not behaving in a typical fashion. For parents of first or only children, a teacher's observations may be the first meaningful sign of a problem. Such observations should not be taken likely. http://autism.about.com/od/childrenandautism/f/teachdiagnose.htm?nl=1 Early signs of autism. As many as six in 1,000 children may be autistic (? - Jag) . Is your child one of them? Many parents are worried, in part because autism is so much in the headlines these days. It's a good idea to keep a weather eye on your young child, because even very young children can be diagnosed. And research shows that the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the prognosis for good outcomes. So what should you be looking for? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, these are some of the red flags for autism: Possible Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders Does not babble, point, or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age Does not speak one word by 16 months Does not combine two words by 2 years Does not respond to name Loses

language or social skills Poor eye contact Doesn't seem to know how to play with toys Excessively lines up toys or other objects Is attached to one particular toy or object Doesn't smile At times seems to be hearing impaired It's important to remember that there are many possible explanations for most of the symptoms listed above. http://autism.about.com/od/earlysignsofautism/a/redflags.htm "Our ideal is not the spirituality that withdraws from life but the conquest of life by the power of the spirit." - Aurobindo.

All-new Mail - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.