1. Go With Your Gut
With an autism spectrum disorder, the signs are very subtle at first, and many pediatricians brush them off as late development or just quirks. Parents, however, spot the problem early on. Instead of taking the "wait and see" approach, schedule an appointment with your state's early intervention program. To find out more about early intervention, contact your local Department of Human Services office. Getting an early start makes an amazing difference for autistic kids. In any case, the parents get their questions answered.
2. No Two Kids Are Alike
Autism spectrum disorders are different in every child. Some exhibit certain characteristics such as social impairment and delayed speech, while others don't. Just because a child doesn't meet every criteria for autism does not mean that they don't have the developmental disorder. Contrary to mainstream ideas, autistic children are sometimes social, loving and very intelligent. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning there are a wide range of severities and no "one size fits all" criteria.
3. Common Pairings
Many conditions that occur frequently with autism. Up to a third of autistic children have seizures. Besides major seizures, which are obvious, staring spells and loss of skills are also signs of smaller petit mal seizures. Doctors perform EEG's to rule out seizure activity. Low muscle tone, which often becomes apparent due to delay in gross motor skills, also occurs frequently. Other conditions that may exist are gastrointestinal problems, problematic immune system (several infections), sensory issues and self-injury.
4. Lend a Helping Hand
Kids with autism need therapy--lots of therapy. Depending on their skill levels, many times it includes behavioral therapy, developmental therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. Behavioral therapy focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors in order to help the child continue them. Occupational therapy focuses on sensory issues and coping mechanisms. Physical therapists perform therapy when there is a delay in gross or fine motor skills. Since many autistic children have speech delays or lack of speech, speech therapy helps them learn to communicate. Developmental therapy teaches parents skills to help their children and assesses progress in development as a whole.
5. Just Breathe
An autism diagnosis is stressful in itself. Take time to relax and enjoy the child. Don't forget that autism is just a part of who they are and not a definition of their whole self. Between therapies and doctors appointments, sometimes it's hard to remember to have fun, but that's what childhood is all about. Meet other families who share the same challenges so it's not so lonely. Group meetings for families impacted by autism are common at children's hospitals and a great way to meet others to relate to and get advice from them.
