One of the most telling symptoms of Autism in children, especially pre-verbal babies, is the absence of eye contact. It is one of the primary markers that doctors use to make early diagnoses. It's also one of the most difficult symptoms for the "normal" population to accept. How many times have you been told, or told someone else, to look you in the eyes when you talk to them? It's a sign of attention and respect, but it's physically uncomfortable and difficult for those on the Autism spectrum.
It had been believed that the lack of eye contact was due to the discomfort of hypersensitivity to sight. That looking straight on to something or someone introduced too much stimuli for the Autistic person to process comfortably. But now, brain mapping research has found that the brains of those with autism receive and process LESS stimuli looking straight at something than they do using peripheral sight. Really interesting data could lead to how visual cues and stimulation are used in educational settings.
Professor Angel, out.
http://www.livescience.com/37167-autism-avoid-eye-contact-brain.html
That is VERY interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe avoidance of physical touching is another one to look for.
Most interesting. My grandson has autism, though not that severe. The not making eye contact thing? Yeah, he did that when he was very young. Good post Dr Angel.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, thanks for sharing. I love learning new things.
ReplyDeleteSide note, which of the follow lip balm scents are acceptable to an Angel and her Queens?
Flavor oils: peach, coconut, passionfruit rose, lemon pound cake, or pineapple.
Essential Oils: Lavender, peppermint, spearmint, orange, lemon, or grapefruit.
Or would no scent be better?
-CM
CM, I am a sucker for anything lemon, and the Queens are partial to orange or peach. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy imp doesn't avoid touch or eye contact, but didn't talk until he was over three years old. We knew it wasn't autism, but spent three years researching to figure it out, since the doctors weren't suggesting anything but some type of autism spectrum disorder.
ReplyDeleteBut. He's so very affectionate. Very obviously emotional. He's not only willing to make eye contact, but instigates it with total strangers. He loves playing with people, and always has. Whatever it was, he wasn't autistic, and the docs weren't *listening*.
What we found was Sowell's books *Late Talking Children* and *The Einstein Syndrome*. Those were practically written about my imp: stubborn, understands more than he can communicate, frustrated with being unable to communicate, very bright, late on potty training...
However, I do wonder just how much overlap there is between the two conditions. I've met one little girl with Aspergers, but that's about it. I quit researching it when I ruled it out for my son.
HH, the Baby Queen could have been your imp but for avoidance of eye contact and aversion to touch. That, and she's still not talking at 15. We're working with teaching her to use an iPad with an autism comm app. She's picking it up faster than anyone expected. Which worries me because she knows where all the bodies are buried...
ReplyDeleteEver notice when the POTUS Obama talks to the American people he doesn't make eye contact cept with the teleprompter.
ReplyDeleteI have a son with a mild form of autism (PDD). The lack of eye contact is very common with strangers or aquaintances even now, but with family and friends, he will glance at you with full eye contact. He is now nearly 15 years old. And yes, melt downs still occur, especially when a 'scheduled restaurant' cannot be accommodated. I think God gave him to me to teach me patience, because I'm the most unpatient person on the planet.
ReplyDeleteHe has been verbal since age 5, but even now is not fully verbal. He talks in short chopped sentences with no adjectives (i.e. Let's go, Stop it,etc.).
The article mentioned hand eye coordination - my son is actually pretty good throwing balls, shooting hoops (can' dribble very well though) and is a pretty good bowler.
Thanks for the hat tips to autism - it is a challenging condition for those of us who live with them, but the autistic are the ones who suffer the most.
Toejam, that's because there is no brainwaves happening, hence no original thoughts. If it weren't for the Teleprompter, we'd just hear "um , well, uh, uh, hmm, well, um, huh." I think the endless loop of that would make any thinking person insane.
ReplyDelete-Concerned Mama