Jack is a beautiful little boy. He has brown wavy hair, big blue eyes and an irresistible dimple. However, at the age of three, he cannot speak in sentences, understand language, or even use hand gestures. Progress is measured by one-word successes such as the word “no” or, more recently, “mom”. Jack has autism.

Today on GMT I interviewed Judith Ursitti, Jack’s mother, about the warning signs of Autism and the treatment he is receiving from the DFW Center for Autism.

Unfortunately, 5 minutes does not do this complex, relevant and compelling topic any justice. Autism now affects 1 in every 150 children with the numbers escalating by as much as 17% annually (DFW Center for Autism Program flier) However, these statistics can be so impersonal until you personally see the effects of this devastating disability on children and families.

Judith writes on her website,

“I’ve heard from other families with children affected by autism that moments like the “Mom” moment are called “sunshine moments”. That description definitely rings true with me. Parenting a child severely affected by autism is tough. Many, many days are very gray and hopeless. But then a “sunshine moment” comes along. Hope is renewed.” (www.teamjackattack.com)

Judith emphasized that although there is not a cure for autism, early intervention is the best method of treatment. She encouraged parents to pay attention to some of these warning signs:

• Does not babble or coo by 12 months of age
• Does not gesture (point, wave) by 12 months of age
• Does not respond to his/her name.
• Cannot explain what he/she wants.

These are just a few warning signs; however, there are many resources out there that offer expansive information about what to look for when diagnosing a child with Autism. According to website www.autismweb.com, the following symptoms should be considered red flags for parents concerned about autism.

• Language skills or speech are delayed.
• The child doesn’t follow directions.
• At times, the child seems to be deaf.
• The child seems to hear sometimes, but not others.
• The child doesn’t point or wave bye-bye.
• The child used to say a few words or babble, but now he/she doesn’t.
• The child throws intense or violent tantrums.
• The child has odd movement patterns.
• The child is hyperactive, uncooperative, or oppositional.
• The child doesn’t know how to play with toys.
• The child doesn’t smile when smiled at.
• The child has poor eye contact.
• The child gets “stuck” on things over and over and can’t move on to other things.
• The child seems to prefer to play alone.
• The child gets things for him/herself only.
• The child is very independent for his/her age.
• The child does things “early” compared to other children.
• The child seems to be in his/her “own world.”
• The child seems to tune people out.
• The child is not interested in other children.
• The child walks on his/her toes.
• The child shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules (i.e., always holding a string or having to put socks on before pants).
• Child spends a lot of time lining things up or putting things in a certain order.

Parents’ Guide to Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) Retrieved April 18, 2007, from www.autismweb.com/signs.htm.

Judith is an inspiration to all families dealing with childhood disorders. Although this is a mission she did not want nor ask for, she is committed to educating the public on the diagnosis and treatment of Autism. She writes,

“So it’s true. Our child has autism. These four simple words define the facts. They are useful in explaining the past but they do not predict the future. They do not convey the devastating toll that autism has had on our family nor limit our determination to overcome this disorder.” (www.teamjackattack.com)