Ever noticed a person who fails to recognize what is real? Ever noticed him hallucinating or portraying abnormal social behavior? Well, these are basic symptoms of a mental disorder, termed as Schizophrenia. Diagnosis of this disorder is based on observed behavior and the person’s reported experiences. Many behaviors are within the range of normal responses to situations. Yet family member’s sense—even when symptoms are mild—that behavior is “unusual”; that the person is “not the same”. The first step is to identify the signs and symptoms. The second step is to seek help without delay and the third is to stick with the treatment. With the right treatment and support, a person with schizophrenia can lead a happy, fulfilling life.

The following are the warning signs of the disorder:

10. Late or unusual crawling or walking

Babies, like adults, vary considerably in their abilities. No two babies begin crawling, walking or talking at the same age, even if they’re in the same family. But crawling and walking abnormalities are a concern since it can signal many possible conditions including autism, cerebral palsy, and schizophrenia.

9. Language delays

If a child doesn’t start speaking within a few weeks of the normal communication age, there is likelihood that he is displaying early symptoms of Schizophrenia. Consult a pediatrician immediately. Externally, it can be observed in the way a person speaks. People with schizophrenia tend to have trouble concentrating and maintaining a train of thought. They may respond to queries with an unrelated answer, start sentences with one topic and end somewhere completely different, speak incoherently, or say illogical things.

8. Abnormal motor behaviors

Is your child flapping his arms too much or waving out a lot? Is he clumsy is what he does? These can be can be early warning signs of schizophrenia or an autism disorder. Behavior is not focused on a goal, which makes it hard to perform tasks. Abnormal motor behavior can include resistance to instructions, inappropriate and bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement (catatonia).

7. Hypersensitivity

If your child starts crying or gets irritated due to bright lights, rapid movements or loud sounds, do not ignore these signs. They may also need to be cuddled frequently, may need more attention or may be extremely fussy and clingy.