When you suspect your child has autism, it can be a difficult time for you and your family. This is especially true if you are unfamiliar with the disorder.

 

It is best to act quickly if you notice signs of autism. An early diagnosis can lead to faster access to medical, behavioral, and social services for your child.

 

Your job as a parent is to assist your child in growing, developing, learning, and thriving. To do that job properly, you must first understand your child as an individual, unique qualities and all.

 

Here are things you should do if you suspect your child has autism:

Schedule an autism screening.

Early autism screening can open up a world of opportunities for your child. Screening is the first step toward understanding your child’s world and assisting them in reaching their full potential.

 

A pediatrician will usually perform an autism screening during a routine well-child checkup. An autism screening is used to identify common early signs of autism. The following are early signs of autism:

• Communication stutters, including speech and gestures
• Not responding to one’s name
• Being irritated by minor changes in routine
• avoiding most forms of physical contact
• displaying a lack of interest in objects or people

Look for early intervention services.

While there is a critical period in child development between the ages of 0 and 3 years, you should explore various therapies for your child at the time of diagnosis. There is no cure for autism, but there are therapies that can help your child build foundational skills as they grow and develop.

While early intervention is recommended, it is never too late to find out if your child is a candidate for certain therapies, such as:

• speech therapy
• occupational therapy (OT)
• physical therapy (PT)
• social or behavioral therapy (ABA, FloorTime, etc.)

Create a support network.

You’ll need a support system. Even if it means creating one yourself. Families require a strong network of support, and support groups play an important role in this, providing a level of assistance that can extend into so many different areas of daily life.

Take good care of yourself.

It’s okay to take a break. To find relief, reduce stress, and improve your mental and physical health, you must practice self-care. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution for avoiding burnout when parenting an autistic child, there are strategies that can help address many of the issues that parents like you face:

• Practice self-care.
• Recognize what you’ve accomplished.
• Talk to yourself as you would a good friend.
• Explore your creative interests outside of autism.
• Ask for help and be open to receiving it.

 

If you suspect your child has autism, keep in mind that nothing is certain until a diagnosis is made, and that even if your child is diagnosed with ASD, there is plenty of support available.

 

While living with autism may be difficult for your child, it can also be immensely rewarding and full of happiness – just like everyone else’s.

 

Nurture Pods is here to help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in reaching their full potential. We understand that this journey can seem impossible to overcome, especially at the start and especially if you’re a parent. But that’s why we’re here: nobody should have to do it alone. Are you ready to begin? Contact us right away!

 

Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 21 April 2023