What to do if you’re worried
If your child is developmentally delayed, or if you’ve observed other red flags for Autism, schedule an appointment with your paediatrician right away. In fact, it’s a good idea to have your child screened by a doctor even if he or she is hitting the developmental milestones on schedule. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive routine developmental screenings, as well as specific screenings for Autism at 9, 18, and 30 months of age.
Check out our blog on Tips for Expectant Mothers to Reduce the Risk of Autism
Parents: trust your instincts
If you have concerns about how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves, talk with your paediatrician. Before you go to the appointment, complete a free developmental milestone checklist, and read these tips about “How to Talk with the Doctor.”
Remember, you know your child best and your concerns are important. Together, you and your paediatrician will find the best way to help your child. If you’re uneasy about the doctor’s advice, seek a second opinion.
Don’t wait. Acting early can make a big difference in your child’s development!
Schedule an autism screening
A number of specialised screening tools have been developed to identify children at risk for Autism. Most of these screening tools are quick and straightforward, consisting of yes-or-no questions or a checklist of symptoms. Your paediatrician should also get your feedback regarding your child’s behaviour.
See a developmental specialist
If your paediatrician detects possible signs of Autism during the screening, your child should be referred to a specialist for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Screening tools can’t be used to make a diagnosis, which is why further assessment is needed. A specialist can conduct a number of tests to determine whether or not your child has Autism. Although many clinicians will not diagnose a child with Autism before 30 months of age, they will be able to use screening techniques to determine when a cluster of symptoms associated with Autism
Seek early intervention services
The diagnostic process for Autism is tricky and can sometimes take a while. But you can take advantage of treatment as soon as you suspect your child has developmental delays. Ask your doctor to refer you to early intervention services. Early intervention is a federally funded program for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Children who demonstrate several early warning signs may have developmental delays. They will benefit from early intervention whether or not they meet the full criteria for an autism spectrum disorder. In other words, there is more risk involved in the wait-and-see approach than in receiving early intervention.
