As parents, it's natural to have concerns about our children's development and well-being. It’s hard to know what’s normal, and what might be a reason to talk to your pediatrician…
But if you find yourself asking, "Is my kid autistic?" you must speak to your pediatrician about your concerns, sooner rather than later. Early identification and intervention can significantly impact your child's future. My belief is if you’re already questioning it, it’s time to get on the waitlist for an evaluation. Don’t wait to see if your child grows out of the challenges they’re showing…wait while you’re on the waitlist!
In this article, we’ll discuss the common signs of autism and guide you on the path toward seeking an evaluation.
Recognize the Signs of Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It may also interfere with physical developmental milestones, as autistic babies and toddlers often struggle with muscle weakness and hypotonia.
While every child is unique, there are common signs that may indicate your child needs an evaluation. These signs often emerge in early childhood and can vary in severity.
Some key signs of autism in younger children may include:
Social Interaction
- Difficulty making eye contact or maintaining conversations
- Limited interest in playing or interacting with peers
- Lack of response to name or social cues
Communication
- Delayed speech or language skills
- Repetitive or unusual speech patterns
- Difficulty understanding and using non-verbal communication (gestures, facial expressions)
- Losing words they previously used
Behavior
- Highly repetitive behaviors or rituals, especially things that seem to stimulate their sensory system (spinning, hand flapping, wanting to hang upside down)
- Intense focus on specific objects or topics
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., being bothered by certain sounds, or textures)
Some additional things I noticed with my two kids were:
- Severe sleeping issues
- They seemed “floppy,” like they had a hard time holding themselves up (i.e. having low muscle tone)
- An aversion to being held and/or being around people
- The inability to self-soothe or sleep by themselves
- Delayed physical milestones (sitting up, crawling, walking)
- They fell/were injured a lot more than other kids their age
Seeking an Autism Evaluation
If you notice several of these signs in your child, it's essential to seek a professional evaluation. The evaluation process typically involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing autism.
Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
Consult with Your Pediatrician
Your child’s pediatrician is the first one you should speak to about your concerns. They can provide guidance, refer you to specialists, and help you understand the evaluation process.
Obtain a Referral
Your pediatrician may refer you to a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or a specialized autism diagnostic center. Make sure to gather all necessary information and referrals before proceeding.
You may also ask if physical, speech, or occupational therapy would be appropriate for your child. In addition, most states offer an in-home early intervention program for kids aged birth through age 3. You can get more information on what programs your state may offer by clicking here.
Evaluation and Assessment
During the evaluation, professionals will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your child's development, behavior, communication, and social interactions. This may involve observation, interviews, standardized tests, and a lot of paperwork for you to fill out.
The evaluation process can be stressful…that’s why I put together some tips and suggestions to help you through it.
Collaborate and Share Information
Provide the evaluators with as much information as possible, including your observations, concerns, and any relevant medical or developmental history. Collaborating with professionals helps ensure an accurate evaluation. Remember, when answering their questions, it is not time to give your child the benefit of the doubt!
You should answer all questions as if your child was all by themselves, and having the worst day ever (unless you are instructed to answer otherwise). This is not the time to downplay your child’s struggles or play up their strengths…in order to get them the supports they need and an accurate diagnosis, the clinical assessment team needs to know how much they struggle.
Patience and Understanding
The evaluation process may take time, and it's important to remain patient. Remember, the goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child's needs to provide appropriate support and interventions.
I strongly encourage you to develop a self-care practice during this time if you don’t have one in place already, or work to create one that better suits your current needs and situation.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of autism in your child and seeking an evaluation is a proactive and crucial step toward their well-being and development. Remember, each child is unique, and an autism evaluation will provide valuable insights into their strengths, challenges, and the support they may require.
Early identification allows for early interventions, leading to better outcomes for children on the autism spectrum. Consult with healthcare professionals, trust your instincts as a parent, and take proactive steps to ensure the best possible future for your child.
You are not alone on this journey, and with the right support, you and your child can both thrive and get the support you need to reach your full potential.
And if you find yourself in need of support from someone who has “been there, done that, and gotten the autism mom t-shirt,” contact me here. Discover how a one-on-one or group coaching experience can help you navigate the diagnosis process with empathy, grace, and just enough humor to help you keep your sanity.
Meet your self-care coach!
