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Shocked to know that your kid has autism? Wondering what steps to take next? Well, don’t wait to seek help if you see any of the early indicators of autism in your infant, toddler, or pre-schooler. Autism signs most often show between 12 – 24 months. Thus, before 24 months, it is tough to diagnose. Early intervention is quite important since the brain of a kid is still developing. Read this post to know what to do if you think your child has autism spectrum disorder.

As an Amazon Associate, when we link to products and services, they may be affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you click and buy using these links (at no cost to you). Every product we highlight is of high quality and offers good performance.
Thanks for your support!

What to Do If Your Child has Autism Spectrum Disorder?

One research shows that early intervention can result in enhanced quality of life, mainly when it comes to relationships and academics. When you are successful in the early detection of signs by 18 months, getting a thorough treatment will help you reverse the symptoms of autism. Read further to know.

What to Do If You Think Your Child has Autism Spectrum Disorder?

To help your child overcome the challenges of autism spectrum disorder, consider the following pointers:

Educate Yourself

Do not believe in the misconceptions and stereotypes about this developmental disorder. Research and learn more about it from solid research-backed facts and verified sources.

Also, try to focus your child more on: 

• Sleeping 
• Staying healthy and fit

If you have an autism elopement case, click here to know how to keep your kid safe.

Get an Autism Diagnosis / ASD diagnosis

Getting an autism diagnosis for your kid can be tough for you and your family. On average, a child must get a diagnosis of autism when he/she is above four years. But an early diagnosis would be nearly two years old. Getting Mcilwee MA Psychological Services Predoctoral is the ideal solution.

How Doctors Diagnosis Autism in Children?

Autism diagnosis procedure includes:

DSM-5 

The doctors use DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) to diagnose psychiatric disorders. As per it, the signs of autism are categorized into:

• Repeated or restricted behavior patterns
• Deficiency in communication and social interaction.

To get a diagnosis, a kid must meet signs in behavioral patterns and social and communication subcategories. When recording the signs, the doctor determines the severity of autism and rates it from 1 to 3.

Other criteria for signs include:

• The symptoms that disturb the potential of a person to work.
• The symptoms must be there from an early development time.
• Symptoms that other intellectual or developmental conditions cannot explain.

Screening of Autism / Autism Screening

AAP advises every kid to get screened for Autism at 18 and 24-month well-child visits besides having routine screening and developmental surveillance. It helps the pediatrician detect significant behavioral and developmental challenges in kids early.

During an autism screening, your doctor will notice your kid’s movements, behavior, and speech to determine if they can meet specific milestones. If the screening signifies your little one has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), your child’s doctor will refer you to a specialist. He/she will let you know what to do if you think your child has autism.

Do Not Jump to Conclusion After a Diagnosis

But after getting it, do not jump to a conclusion. Rather, celebrate small successes and accept what they have. Make your child supported and loved unconditionally.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider 

When it comes to helping your child with autism spectrum disorder, the pediatrician near you is your best buddy. Example, if your little one has a continuous feeling that something is not right or the condition is impacting his/her life, you can contact him/her. He/she will let you know the best therapy or treatment for your autistic child. Try to fix an appointment with the pediatrician early.

FAQ’s – What to Do If Your Child has Autism Spectrum Disorder?

What Age Do Autistic Children Talk?

Kids with autism spectrum disorder talk after the age of 5.

Can a Child with Autism Live a Normal Life?

Most kids with ASD have the potential to live a normal life.

Can Level 1 Autism Be Cured? 

Since autism is a lifetime condition, there is no cure for it at present. But clinical intervention and early diagnosis allow autistic children to accomplish a better quality of life.

How Long Does Autism Last in a Child?

Autism starts before the age of 3 and can stay throughout the life of an individual. With time, the signs may improve. But seek immediate help from an Autism professional if you don’t know what to do if you think your child has Autism.

Can Autism Improve with Therapy?

The most effective interventions and therapies for autism spectrum disorder are unique for every individual. But the majority of individuals with the disorder reply well to special and highly structured programs. 

Will my 7 year old autistic child ever talk?

Yes, it’s possible for a lot of autistic kids with delayed speech to talk via spoken language. Even researchers claimed that after 4 years, numerous nonverbal children with autism develop language after some time.

Does autism improve with age?

Since autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition, the signs may improve with time in a few people. But in others, it may get worse.

What to do after child diagnosed with autism?

Check below the expert tips:

• Get ready for an early intervention from Caitlin Mcilwee MA psychological services.
• Understand how your kid communicates.
• Become familiar with fine motor skills and gross motor skills.
• Change the environment around your kid.
• Do not feel shy to try something new.

What triggers autism meltdowns?

The following can cause an autistic child to meltdown:

• Loud voices
• Loud sounds
• Screaming of kids
• Babies crying
• Jarring voice tone.
• Bright or flashing lights
• Crowded conditions
• Ticking from the clock
• Serious or scary-looking people.

What is a Level 1 autism toddler?

Level 1 is the mild form of autism. Kids with ASD level 1 may:

• Find it tough to build and maintain a personal bond.
• Face difficulty in understanding social signs.

Can autistic child speak normally?

Like normal kids, children with ASD start developing speech around 2 years old. Since autism differs in severity, there is no set rule. To know more about what to do if you think your child has Autism, MA Psychological Services Predoctoral Intern can help.

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