[Autism Awareness Day] How to identify if a kid is Autistic?

Autista iPad App (Download Link) | Blogpost about the launch

World-autism-awareness-day

Autism is a disorder of neural development that is characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and by restricted or stereotyped behaviour. There are 70 million kids affected by Autism over the world out of which 10 million are in India. To raise awareness about Autism, World Autism Awareness Day is being held on April 2 since 1989. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution.

A kid is affected at a very early stage in life and latest research says that the disorder can be recognized before a kid turns one. AutismSpeaks lists out the symptoms of Autism:

· No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
· No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
· No babbling by 12 months
· No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
· No words by 16 months
· No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
· Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age

Presently, there isn’t a medical test that can diagnose autism. Instead, specially trained physicians and psychologists administer autism-specific behavioral evaluations. And hence, it becomes very important to consult a doctor when any of the above signs are detected.

We, at MadRat Games have done our bit and recently launched the Autista App to help Autistic kids with verbal and fine motor skills. Do help us in taking the word out.

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