Photo by Tara Winstead
As a parent, it's hard not to worry about your child's development. When you notice that your child isn't hitting the same developmental milestones as other children their age, it can be especially concerning. If you suspect that your child may be on the autism spectrum, it's important to take action. Getting a diagnosis and finding resources can make a huge difference in your child's life. In this blog post, we'll discuss early signs of autism, how to get a diagnosis, and resources available to you.
Early Signs
One of the most important things you can do is become familiar with developmental milestones. You see your child all the time, so you're in the best position to take note and document their progress. Documenting will be your best friend! The autism diagnosis age and intensity of autism's early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months, while others' behaviors become obvious as late as age 2 or 3. Signs of autism in children include:
Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling, or social skills
Avoidance of eye contact
Persistent preference for solitude
Difficulty understanding other people's feelings
Delayed language development
Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
Restricted interests
Repetitive behaviors (rocking, etc.)
Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights, and/or colors
Don't ignore signs of autism because you don't want to face them. You're only hurting your child by delaying a diagnosis. Don't be afraid to ask your pediatrician questions. However, it's important not to google for a diagnosis. Seek professional help and document what you are seeing. Write down or take a video of the signs you're noticing.
Get a Referral (If Needed)
If your pediatrician offers you a referral, great! But if not, look into finding a developmental pediatrician or an agency that can do evaluations such as specialized autism centers. There are also telehealth evaluation providers too! Autism speaks has a great resource of the many categories you can go to for an evaluation.
Once your child receives an autism diagnosis, the next step is to find resources that can help. One great resource is Early Intervention Services. They provide support services for children and families, including speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental therapy. Other resources include:
Schools with specialized programs for children with autism
Support groups for parents and caregivers
Online resources such as Autism Speaks, which provides information and resources for families, medical professionals, and educators
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