Recognizing the Signs of Autism

Signs of autism can vary depending on the child’s age, but some common indicators to look out for include:

Social Communication Challenges:
– Delayed speech or language skills.
– Limited eye contact or not responding to their name by 12 months.
– Difficulty understanding non-verbal cues like facial expressions or gestures.
– Repetitive speech patterns like repeating the same phrase or echoing what others say.
– Difficulty engaging in back-and-forth conversations or play.

Behavioral Differences:
– Repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking) or behaviors (lining up toys, focusing on parts of objects).
– Strong resistance to changes in routines or environments.
– Intense focus on specific interests, sometimes to the exclusion of other activities.
– Sensory sensitivities, such as being overly sensitive to loud noises, textures, or lights.

Social Interaction Differences:
– Difficulty in forming friendships or understanding social rules.
– Preferring to play alone or struggling with imaginative play.

Emotional Regulation:
– Meltdowns or frustration over small changes or unexpected events.
– Difficulty with emotional expression or recognizing emotions in others.

It’s important to remember that autism is a spectrum, and children may exhibit these signs in different combinations and degrees. If you have concerns, it’s a good idea to consult a developmental specialist or your pediatrician for an evaluation. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

What do I do If I suspect my child has Autism?
1. Raise concerns with your Pediatrician-
a. Act early!
b. Ask your pediatrician to complete a screen. Your pediatrician will often refer you child to a specialist for an evaluation (e.g. Developmental pediatrician, clinical psychologist, child psychologist, pediatric neurologist).
c. A child can be diagnosed starting at 24 months of age.
d. Most specialist have long waitlist, so it is highly encouraged to call and get an appointment as soon as possible, some waitlists can be weeks or months long.

2. Waiting for an Autism Evaluation
a. Get on waitlists (even if you don’t have diagnosis yet).
b. Contact your local early intervention programs as soon as possible and get on their waitlists

3. Process Emotions and Seek Support

4. Educate Yourself about Autism
5. Build a Supportive Network
a. Join Autism Support Groups
b. Connect with other Parents