Childhood Schizophrenia

The most common early warning signs of schizophrenia include:

▪   Social withdrawal ▪   Hostility or suspiciousness ▪   Deterioration of personal hygiene ▪   Flat, expressionless gaze ▪   Inability to cry or express joy ▪   Inappropriate laughter or crying

▪   Depression ▪   Oversleeping or insomnia ▪   Odd or irrational statements ▪   Forgetful; unable to concentrate ▪   Extreme reaction to criticism ▪   Strange use of words or way of speaking

The most common early warning signs of Autism include:

▪   Fails to respond to his/her name ▪   Poor eye contact ▪   Resists cuddling and holding ▪   Prefers to play alone ▪   Unaware of other’s feelings ▪   Starts to talk later than 2 ▪   Loses previously acquired ability to say words ▪   Doesn’t make eye contact

▪   Speaks with an abnormal way of speaking ▪   Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, flapping ▪   Develops specific routines ▪   Disturbed by slightest change in routine ▪   Constantly moves ▪   May be sensitive to light, sound ▪   May be oblivious to pain ▪   May be fascinated by parts of an object

I don’t necessarily believe that Jani’s diagnosis could have been made earlier than 7.  Jani didn’t show a lot of the trademark warning signs of having autism such as talking later than 2, repetitive movements such as flapping, and being fascinated by parts of an object to name a few.  She really, according to the video, had something going on from infancy but some of the characteristics come when the children are able to use their words or express themselves.  Jani definitely had characteristics of schizophrenia.  She had insomnia, flat expressionless gaze, inappropriate crying to name a few as an infant.  As she got older she showed signs of use of strange words or speaking, imaginary friends began to rule her life.  These are things that she was able to express as she got older.  If I were Jani’s pediatrician I defiantly would have followed her developmental milestones and followed her behavior.  But very often you want to make sure you have a proper diagnosis before giving out medication for example.  A lot of the medication these children are on for their disabilities is very strong and can have life altering side effects.  You want to make sure you are assessing and helping the major disability and not a secondary one.  I don’t think Jani showed signs of autism as an infant and I think now that doctors know what disorder Jani has, they can better treat it.