D escription of the onset of Autism/PDD: The majority of the children seen at the Spectrum Center with this diagnosis are under the age of five, with many of them under the age of three. We do see children that are older, and we also see children with Aspergers Syndrome.

A typical history is a failure to develop, or a regression in the development of language. The majority of families report normal development during the first year. In retrospect they may recall certain sensitivities to touch, movement, light, and sound, which became more severe later. They may also recall some delay in gestural communication, such as "waving bye-bye," or playing peek-a-boo. However these symptoms were not sufficient to cause alarm for most families. Some parents, however, report that they always had an uneasy feeling but were reassured by doctors and other family members. In some histories there are reports of severe colic, severe sensitivities, and poor eye contact since infancy.

While symptoms are absent or minimal in the first year, families report significant changes in behavior during the second year. Language that was developing, suddenly or gradually stops. Parents report they will hear a word, never to hear it again. Words and phrases that were well established fade away. There is often a change in eye contact and level of engagement. Play becomes aimless or repetitive in nature. Often sensory sensitivities emerge or become more severe. Behavior often becomes more rigid or inflexible. The children may become very upset if there is a change in routine. Temper tantrums often become more frequent and severe, as the children have limited or no language to communicate their needs. There is often a change in eating habits as the children become increasingly picky and limited in what they will eat.

We also often hear a history of frequent ear infections and antibiotic use, although we also see children who present with no such history. It is also true that we see children who have frequent ear infections without developing Autism or PDD.