![]() ![]() For example, a child who was communicating with words such as “mommy” or “up” may stop using language entirely, or a child may stop playing social games he or she used to enjoy such as peek-a-boo, patty cake, or waving “bye-bye.” Any loss of speech, babbling, gestures, or social skills should be taken very seriously, as regression is a major red flag for autism. Some children with autism spectrum disorder start to develop communication skills and then regress, usually between 12 and 24 months. Regression of any kind is a serious autism warning sign Schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor, seek a second opinion, or ask for a referral to a child development specialist. Listen to your gut if it’s telling you something is wrong, and be persistent. But sometimes, even well-meaning doctors miss red flags or underestimate problems. Ideally, your child’s doctor will take your concerns seriously and perform a thorough evaluation for autism or other developmental delays. In order to develop skills in an area of delay, your child needs extra help and targeted treatment. Furthermore, whether the delay is caused by autism or some other factor, developmentally delayed kids are unlikely to simply “grow out of” their problems. You risk losing valuable time at an age where your child has the best chance for improvement. Many concerned parents are told, “Don’t worry” or “Wait and see.” But waiting is the worst thing you can do. Don’t wait.ĭon’t accept a wait-and-see approach. When it comes to healthy development, there’s a wide range of “normal.” But if your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or you suspect a problem, share your concerns with your child’s doctor immediately. Every child develops at a different pace, so you don’t need to panic if your child is a little late to talk or walk. While developmental delays don’t automatically point to autism, they may indicate a heightened risk. Autism involves a variety of developmental delays, so keeping a close eye on when-or if-your child is hitting the key social, emotional, and cognitive milestones is an effective way to spot the problem early on. The key is to educate yourself so you know what’s normal and what’s not. Your child’s pediatrician can be a valuable partner, but don’t discount the importance of your own observations and experience. You know your child better than anyone and observe behaviors and quirks that a pediatrician, in a quick fifteen-minute visit, might not have the chance to see. For children at risk and children who show early signs, it can make all the difference.Īs a parent, you’re in the best position to spot the earliest warning signs of autism. There is one fact, however, that everyone agrees on: early and intensive intervention helps. ![]() There are different opinions among doctors, parents, and experts about what causes autism and how best to treat it. Relating to others and the world around them.Communicating verbally and non-verbally.However, every child on the autism spectrum has problems, at least to some degree, in the following three areas: Some children with autism have only mild impairments, while others have more obstacles to overcome. The signs and symptoms of autism vary widely, as do its effects. Treatment can reduce the disorder’s effects and help your child learn, grow, and thrive.Īutism is a spectrum of closely related disorders with a shared core of symptoms. Autism spectrum disorder appears in infancy and early childhood, causing delays in many basic areas of development, such as learning to talk, play, and interact with others. But no matter your child’s age, don’t lose hope. But when it comes to autism, catching it early-ideally by the age of eighteen months-makes a huge difference. Recognizing the Early Signs and Symptoms of AutismĪs a parent, you never want to believe that your precious bundle has a problem. ![]()
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