Autism is a neurological disorder where the child typically develops normally until about 18 months of age or by age three. Some babies may show signs at birth. The 18 month to age three children may include any or all of the following and may begin as mild symptoms, but gradually worsen with time:Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Behaviorial ProblemsCatatoniaEmotions (ability to read other's or heightened)Loss of Eye ContactOutstanding AbilitiesRepetitive BehaviorsSeizuresSensesSocial ProblemsTelevisionToe WalkingToileting ProblemsSeveral parents I have talked to agreed that the first signs were lack of eye contact and loss of words. The Autism Research Institute (ARI) has developed an Autism Symptoms Checklist (Form E-2). The responses on Form E-2 are entered into a computer which calculates a diagnostic score. The score is sent to the person or agency submitting the checklist. This is a free and confidential service. It is done for free to assist researchers with standardizing and improving the diagnosing of autistic children.Click here to go to form E-2: Remember, there is hope for your child! About 50% of very young children have recovered with intense early education and/or dietary changes. Older children can also improve dramatically. Finding the right treatment for your child is, unfortunately, the hard part in helping older children. Don't give up! There are many therapies to research!