“Could something be wrong with my child?” Questions like this are every parent’s unspoken fear. In the case of Autism Spectrum Disorder, here are a few of the haunting questions that may echo in your thoughts even when your child is at a very young age:
- Why does my child avoid eye contact?
- Why is he so rigid?
- How come he repeats the same behaviors over and over again?
- Why doesn’t he play with other kids?
- Why does he have tantrums and meltdowns?
- What does it mean if he sometimes hurt himself on purpose?
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? (ASD)
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by:
- Social impairments
- Cognitive impairments
- Communication impairments
- Repetitive behaviors
Autism is understood as a disorder that exists within a spectrum. Additionally, it exhibits itself in a range from mild to severe. Remember, it occurs in all demographics regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age.
According to the National Autism Association website, males are four times more likely than females to show signs of Autism. Even when children appear “normal” for the first year or two of their lives, they may later appear to “regress.” Signs of regression include loss of language or social skills. This is referred to as a “regressive” type of Autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms can be confusing to identify because there is such a wide range of signs/symptoms and severity of symptoms. These signs and symptoms are not the same in all children. Also, the overall challenges they present can range from noticeable to significant to severe depending on the individual child. As a result, it is a challenge to understand Autism as a parent and sometimes to diagnose Autism as a professional.
I encourage you to click on the link below to go to the National Autism Association website and review the signs of Autism: https://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/signs-of-autism/
Ask the Difficult Questions
If that little voice inside keeps telling you that “something is not right with my child,” it is important to listen. Although it can be an exhausting challenge, begin the journey towards understanding the situation and seeking support in developing a plan to follow.
As with any area in your life that raises more questions than answers, you will need to take charge of finding those answers. If your child’s pediatrician has not yet discussed your child’s development and behavior with you, bring up your questions at the next appointment. You may even choose to make an appointment just for the purpose of asking such questions.
If your child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, remember that the moment your child receives this diagnosis is the very moment when you refocus on taking good care of yourself and your child by seeking some of the supports described below.
When Do I Have My Child Screened for Autism?
As we learned on the National Autism Association website, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents and professionals to give children Autism-specific screening at 18 months and 24 months of age regardless of their behavior. They also recommended broad developmental screening at the ages of 9 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
Additional screening may be advisable when a child shows signs of high risk for developmental delays. Some common criteria include: siblings with history of ASD, preterm birth, low birth weight, or the many behaviors that often signal the possibility of ASD.
In the event that your child’s pediatrician doesn’t routinely offer developmental screenings, it is your responsibility and right to request this. Additionally, in the event that any initial test shows indicators of any issues, additional comprehensive evaluation may be required.
As with any developmental issues you/your child may encounter, the National Autism Association website reminds us that the earlier you educate yourself and work toward understanding what you and your child are facing, the sooner you will be able to work toward positive results. Also, the closer you get to intentionally providing activities and experiences that further your child’s development, the more you increase opportunities for positive outcomes and positive growth.
Step Up to the Plate
The professionals in your child’s life have many children for whom they care… yet you have only one child who needs additional professional support. So, assertively seek help, information, and knowledge about the best opportunities and experiences you can provide for your child. Remember that “early intervention” is the goal because in many cases, the earlier you start, the greater the chance that you will achieve positive outcomes.
Be sure to visit the National Autism Association website at https://NationalAutismAssociation.org/.
The website is rich with information and suggestions that will help you move forward in your journey to learn how to help your child and best direct your efforts as a parent.
Finding Support and Resources for Autism
There are groups and regularly scheduled meetings attended by local parents whose children have been diagnosed with Autism. These groups discuss and share solutions they have found for the challenges they face. In fact, many parents attend regularly and find these meetings very informative and helpful.
In order to find out such opportunities, contact your local school district. Discuss what early childhood programs they may offer and/or can identify that are available in your community. Additionally, consider contacting your local park district, which may offer recreational programs for children with special needs. Also ask your pediatrician and/or contact the National Autism Association for resources. You can also find out about parent support groups that may exist locally.
In my role as a foster parent, I found amazing support, information, and expertise through my local Parent Training and Information Center. I also learned about supports and services that my child was entitled to receive under the law. I found the Parent Training and Information Center to have a wealth of information to help parents and caretakers stay informed and advocate effectively for their child. Additionally, my local Parent Training and Information Center advocate was rich with support and information. This includes what the child has a right to receive and steps to make sure that this occurrs.
Be sure to check out the Parent Training and Information website at https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/ and find your local PTI. Make an appointment and become familiar with your child’s rights for programs and services guaranteed under the law and local programs available to both the children and the parents. If your local PTI is a significant distance from your home then communicate with them via telephone—the value of the contact is well worth the effort.
Remain Resilient
Most of all, whatever you do, do NOT give up!
Remember to take care of yourself. There is a strong possibility that you are dealing with the concerns, fears, and sometimes exhaustion that result from the challenges your child presents, your lack of familiarity with ASD, and the impact these new revelations have on your child’s life, your life, and your family life.
If the little voice inside of you whispers, “Something is not right,” then listen to that little voice. Review this article and begin to take the steps that will help you find the supports and possibilities available to you and your child. Remember that for most children, the earlier the intervention, the greater the likelihood of positive outcomes.
You Must Be an Advocate
Your role going forward is to educate yourself and find resources that help support your child’s needs. Additionally, you must advocate for your child to receive the best opportunities for growth as early as possible. Also be aware that your local school district can and should be a primary resource. Many school districts offer early childhood programs for children with disabilities. They also offer early childhood programs for parents to attend with their child.
Advocate assertively for your child to receive the services and programs guaranteed under the law. Make an appointment with your local school district Director of Special Education to begin to familiarize yourself with the programs and services they offer. This may include parent/child programs for children with disabilities and should definitely include early childhood programs directly available to the child along with specialized supports and services available each year he’s enrolled in school.
Should you encounter challenges and difficulties be aware of the IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which is a federal law defining and guaranteeing the rights of children to receive free educational opportunities and specialized programs/services through your local school district.
Also be aware that there are Family Advocates who will help you to advocate for the best opportunities and programs for your child. Check the websites already mentioned in this article to find out how to find advocates in your area. Advocates can often be found on the staff of local mental health agencies, the ARC, or other entities that support the rights of children and families
You will find it worth your effort to locate and familiarize yourself with your local advocacy agency. However, if this is not known to you yet, simply put in a Google search for “advocacy agencies for children with disabilities” in your area.
Do Not Wait
Through no choice of your own you have entered a world of new challenges, new possibilities, and new hurdles to overcome. However, the journey is rich with opportunities to celebrate. It is also a journey that you can make so much easier for you and your child if you will take the time to learn both your rights and your child’s rights to a FAPE (a FREE and APPROPRIATE public education).
We are reminded that identifying and accessing effective resources can increase successful outcomes for both your child and your family. So, go forth with renewed energy and confidence starting with the resources described in this article until you find what you need.
