Definition

ASD is a kind of brain dysfunction, which is generally known as biological based disorder. In general, symptoms and signs start to display when your baby is less than 30 months old and the condition can be confirmed by the doctor when your baby is 3 years old. Some of the common clinical manifestations include: speech delay, stereotypical behaviors, and lack of social interaction. The average international prevalence rate is around 5 -10 children out of every 1000 children with male to female ratio of 5 : 1 .

Simple clinical classification

1. Aloof type: ASD child usually avoids visual contact and body contact, has speech delay, and has either over or under responses to environmental stimulations.
2. Passive type: though passive ASD child could be passively guided by other people, he/she usually has bizarre verbal content, pronoun reverse, and echolalia or stereotypic behavior.
3. Active but odd type: with this type of ASD child, he/she is usually older in age, display intention or interest in their own way, not bi-directional, and they are intensely attracted to special objects like cars and balls. Grammar seems to be neglected in verbal expression. 

Age change

1.  Infancy: shows lower level of bi-directional interaction, more distractive or insecure; lacks of constant social smile and social play; likes to stand or walk on toes; displays incomprehensible emotions at times.
2. Toddler age (2-5 y/o): lack of empathy, limited imagination, and social play. Inappropriate interaction content, stereotypical movement or behavior, sometimes relatively stubborn and hard to communicate self-stimulating behaviors 
3. School age (6-12 y/o): desires to make friends with others usually with inappropriate ways, or lack of appropriate social or emotional content with increased self-injuring behavior and aggression, especially when they live in poor environment or parenting skill.

Service

Early referral and early diagnosis is required. With good parenting skill and appropriate early intervention, your child usually makes progress.