PSA 🚩If you’re reading this blog, you might already be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of information on the web regarding this topic. Pause & take a deep breath. It’s important to show yourself love and support. My aim as a clinician is to provide caregivers with the research and facts. If your little one is demonstrating characteristics, early intervention is such an incredible resource for your child and for YOU, the caregiver 💖
Facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is rooted in early brain development. Caregivers typically begin observing outward signs and symptoms until a child is between 12 – 18-months-old. In fact, a lot of children will develop “normally” up until that point when they’ll suddenly lose skills and develop more outward characteristics associated with ASD – something that’s commonly referred to as “Regression”. This is why most children aren’t diagnosed by a professional until they’re over 2-years-old.
There are early signs and symptoms caregivers can be mindful of during this critical developmental period. Observing these signs and symptoms can help empower parents to seek supports and services, if they choose.
Red Flags for Autism (retrieved from Hanen)
Typically appearing by 12 months:
No babbling
No pointing (to show interest, for requesting, to get someone’s attention)
Lack of gestures (asking to be picked up, waving, shaking their head “no”)
Lack of joint attention (an individuals ability to attend to a conversation/activity with another)
Poor eye contact
Repetitive actions or movements
Limited play with toys
Poor imitation of sounds or actions (imitation of speech sounds, or actions such as clapping hands)
Not responding to his or her name when being called
Appearing between 18-24 months:
A loss of words, skills, or social connection
If your child presents with any of the above symptoms or you have concerns about their development, it is important seek a medical diagnosis. While a speech-language pathologist cannot diagnose autism, they are able to assess the child’s overall communication skills, including the social communication deficits that are often observed in children with autism.
For more helpful information, visit https://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Early-Signs-of-Autism.aspx