agnosed with high functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome. Young children might be misdiagnosed as having social communication disorders or developmental disorders.
A study of 300 girls by the Cleveland Clinic suggests autistic females are less likely to exhibit “classically male” symptoms. These include restricted interests, difficulties in social situations, episodes of intense aggravation, and self-harm.
These girls are often labeled as having developmental delays, but without the diagnosis of autism, their access to resources and care become limited. The Cleveland Clinic recommends being proactive and seeing your pediatrician if you notice any signs your daughter might be autistic, especially if she is in between regular medical check-ups.
When can my child be diagnosed with autism?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an autism diagnosis can be appropriately given at 18 months of age or sooner. Doctors screen for autism spectrum disorders at the nine-month, 18 month, 2-year, and 3-year wellness checkups. Many children with autism do not receive an official diagnosis until they reach the age of two or three. It is often after the child has started school. This is when the child’s challenges in social skills become obvious. It is never too late to get a diagnosis and begin identifying resources to help make life with autism easier.
The earlier a child gets a diagnosis (especially in his/her formative years of development), the sooner the child can start therapy or treatment.
When to see your pediatrician
During checkups, your child’s pediatrician will assess developmental progress. In between appointments, however, you may notice signs of autism or suggestions your child is not developing similarly to his/her peers. He/She may not engage with you the same way other babies engage with their parents, or he/she may exhibit some of the other symptoms listed above.
If you feel something is amiss, consult your child’s pediatrician to run a series of diagnostic exams. These exams are non-invasive and will often include a behavioral and developmental assessment. You might also be given a questionnaire for you and other caregivers in your child’s life.
What to bring to your appointment
Some parents find it helpful to keep a list of symptoms they suspect are likely to be autism. You can keep track of the frequency of instances each behavior occurs for reference. This kind of documentation will give your child’s pediatrician a better idea of how long and how often your child’s symptoms appear.
Most infants with autism will develop skills late—or might even regress in their social skills and sensory processing.
Getting a second opinion
If your doctor is unsure if a diagnosis of autism is appropriate for your infant, the CDC recommends seeking a second opinion. The earliest interventions can serve as building blocks for your child’s future therapies.
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They also suggest acting early as interventions can change your child’s developmental path and improve outcomes in school and relationships. The CDC cites that, in the first three years of a child’s life, his/her behaviors are most malleable and that children are more likely to change undesirable habits and adopt positive ones most willingly during these years. They suggest trying several interventions until you find one (and a therapist) your child responds to best.
What are the early interventions for ASD?
Once you’ve spotted the signs of autism and received an early diagnosis, you can think about the next steps. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and occupational therapists can all help support autistic children. The following are popular interventions and therapies:
Early Start Denver Model
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Many families opt to use ABA which also encourages a positive reward system and parental engagement with the program.
Picture Exchange Communication System
PECS teaches nonverbal and semiverbal children to communicate via pictures and symbols.
Verbal Behavioral Intervention
VBI is also used with children w