You’re not alone if you’re worried your child may be showing symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and neurodiversity are becoming more and more prevalent, especially in children. The good news is that early screening and select treatments can help improve the quality of life for children with autism. This blog post about symptoms of autism in children will discuss many aspects of the condition and ways to cope.
This information about autism will help you become a fantastic advocate on your parenting journey and prepares you for whatever comes next!
What are the signs and symptoms of autism in children?
Developmental signs and symptoms of autism typically appear during early childhood, and the condition may be diagnosed as early as 18 months old. The most obvious symptoms of autism are delays in verbal and nonverbal communication. This can manifest as a delay in speech development, a lack of eye contact, or a lack of response to someone calling the child’s name.
However, symptoms of autism manifest differently in each person, and not all people with autism will experience the same symptoms. Some people with autism may exhibit repetitive behaviors or have difficulty understanding social cues. This can affect their ability to honor personal space or interact appropriately with others.
Additionally, individuals with autism may have limited interests and have trouble discussing certain topics outside their area of focus. In some cases, neurodivergent children may be sensitive to sound, touch, smell, and other sensory stimulation.
Should early symptoms of autism become apparent in your child, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. They will be able to give you a complete picture of what autism looks like and some reasonable next steps for your family.
How is autism diagnosed?
There is no one-size-fits-all autism diagnosis, as everyone’s experience with autism is unique. Symptoms of autism can vary tremendously from mild to severely distressing, making the disorder challenging for providers to diagnose. There is no one autism test, but doctors will often look for certain red flags.
Autism diagnoses are typically made by developmental pediatricians, child neurologists, or psychiatric clinicians. A comprehensive evaluation usually includes a developmental history, a physical exam, and autism-specific behavioral assessments.
If a doctor suspects autism, they may refer the child for further testing. Early intervention is critical for those who receive an autism diagnosis. The earlier a child with autism can be accurately diagnosed, the better their developmental outcomes will be with the proper therapy.
What therapies are available for children with autism and their families?
Although there is no cure for autism, there are effective treatments that help children with autism improve their symptoms and levels of independence. One of the most well-known and studied treatments for autism is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is an evidence-based therapy method that focuses on changing specific behaviors to improve social and learning skills.
In addition to ABA therapy, other treatment options for autism include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and in some cases, medication.
How can I help my neurodivergent child cope?
If your child has autism, you may wonder how you can help them cope. Getting an early diagnosis is one of the most imperative actions you can take as a parent. Once autism is diagnosed, your child can begin receiving ABA therapy, which can profoundly impact their developmental outcomes.
In addition, there are many autism-related support groups and resources available for families dealing with autism. You can also explore ways to make your child’s classroom more autism-friendly with the help of your child’s teacher.
In addition, many schools now have programs specifically designed for students with autism. These programs often use ABA therapy, effectively improving social and communication skills.
These steps can help your child cope with autism and improve their daily experiences.
What autism resources are available to help support my child’s development and education?
If you are the parent or caregiver of a neurodivergent child, you may wonder what resources are available to help support your child’s development and education. Several organizations and programs, including ABA Centers of America, can provide information and assistance to help your family cope with autism. A simple Google search for reliable autism organizations and resources should yield plenty of results and potential research about symptoms of autism.
ABA Centers of America and Autism Diagnostic Services
If you are concerned about your child’s development, it is crucial to speak with your child’s pediatrician or qualified healthcare professionals specializing in autism. These autism experts can help determine whether your child qualifies for a diagnosis.
ABA Centers of America now offers autism diagnostic services in many areas. Whether your child is exhibiting symptoms of autism or they’ve already been diagnosed, ABA Centers of America can help. Our services value early intervention, and we help your child meet their milestones in a way that works for them! Call us at (844) 923-4222 for a free consultation or visit abacenters.com.
