Understanding the Pieces of the Puzzle: An Autism Diagnosis
Hi everyone,
This week we are going to jump right into the ins and outs of an autism diagnosis. While a diagnosis can look very different for a child or an adult, today we are going to focus on receiving an autism diagnosis as a child. One of the most important things a parent or caregiver of someone with autism can do is understand that each individual is different. Early signs of autism can have such a wide range, so becoming familiar with the needs of your specific child can make all of the difference in their world.
But hey now, before we get into the different types of autism, we need go over some of the basic signs. How can one tell that their child may have autism? Should you suspect autism, it is critical to have a professional evaluation done, because many who have autism do not show all of the signs and some who don’t have autism do show some stereotypical symptoms.
Usually, a pediatrician will assess the child to see if they are meeting developmental milestones to help determine if they are at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since there are no special medical tests, like a blood test, reporting your child’s behavior is key. Signs can be detected as early as 18 months and are usually considered reliable, by the time the child is 2 years old.
While each symptom may be different depending on the development stage of the child, the symptoms listed below are important to consider throughout early childhood. However, just because your child displays some of the following symptoms does not mean they have autism.
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 (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors
When all is said and done an autism diagnosis can be daunting. Parents who are new too autism may be unsure of what to do or where to turn. While there may be a sudden sense of fear or maybe even denial, you’ve got this! Some of the strongest parents I have met as a clinician are parents of children with autism.
Stay tuned for next week to learn about different approaches and resources for children with autism!
Cheers,
Emily Mori, MS, LGPC, NCC, CAS
As a strength-based therapist I believe mindfulness is the best approach to life's challenges. I help to empower clients seeking to move forward and to achieve their wellness goals.