1. Does Your Child Meet Developmental Milestones?
All children develop at different rates, but there are certain milestones that can be used to chart whether your child is developing normally or may have a developmental problem. "Well child" visits to your pediatrician should include milestone checks in which the doctor asks about how your child is developing and screens for delays. It's helpful to keep a journal or photo album of when your child first hits different milestones such as babbling, pointing, smiling, crawling, talking and walking, for example. While your pediatrician probably cannot make a diagnosis of autism in your child independently, these screening tests can indicate the need for a referral to a specialist for a more complete evaluation.
2. Does Development Level Off or Backtrack?
Some children exhibit developmental delays from birth with the failure to babble, point and make other meaningful gestures. In these cases, a diagnosis of autism can sometimes be made as early as six months old. Other children, however, will meet certain developmental milestones, but then either stop developing normally or regress. For example, a child may learn to say three or four words, but either fail to learn new words or stop talking altogether. If your child has been progressing normally throughout his life and you notice a change, it's time for an evaluation.
3. Key Into Abnormalities
There are other symptoms you can use to recognize autism in a child besides developmental markers. Abnormal behaviors or interactions are also a symptom of autism. Repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping or head-banging are common traits in children with autism. Likewise, obsession with routines and orderliness is another characteristic of autism. If you frequently observe your child lining up toys or blocks, fixating on one object or becoming overly disturbed by disruptions to his routine, these could be indicators of autism.
4. Be Realistic, Not Dismissive
Parents often choose to dismiss symptoms of autism and consider their child a slow learner or "quirky" rather than seek a proper diagnosis. In their determination to remain optimistic, however, they sometimes sacrifice crucial time in seeking treatment. Early intervention is essential to a good outcome from treatment. With early intervention, some children with autism can grow up to live "normal," independent lives. If you recognize any of the symptoms of autism in your child, you should have him evaluated as soon as possible. Good progress can be made if treatment begins early.
