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Early indicators for parents concerned with autism
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April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day
April is autism awareness month and more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. The diagnosis for boys is four times greater than girls. Unfortunately many parents don't know how to spot the early warning signs of autism in their children or where to turn for help when those signs are identified.
For parents who are concerned about the warning signs and how to properly identify issues they see with their children, little is available. And once those signs are properly identified, it can be difficult to find the correct course of treatment and care to help children live fulfilling lives.
Devereux is one of the nation's largest non-profits that provides behavioral healthcare for children, adolescents and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral disorders and mental illness. They have centers in 11 states and have been a leader in diagnosing, and caring for those with autism through educational, training and support services since the 1940s. They have developed a list of early indicators for parents to watch for in their young children. These signs are not meant as diagnostic tools, but rather as guidelines to help parents direct their thoughts and conversations with experts. Parents should watch for:
- A child who doesn't make eye contact, fails to show enthusiasm for caregivers as they approach, who doesn't examine the faces of others and does not offer a social smile
- A child who doesn't engage in conversation with others
- A child who does not enjoy common games that other children enjoy such as tickle games or hide-and-seek
- A child who may not appropriately play with common toys
- A child who engages in repetitive movements such as hand flapping
- A child who does not imitate the vocal sounds or actions of peers or adults
- A child who is delayed in talking, gestures and use of facial expressions
- A child who doesn't seem to understand others' verbal and non-verbal communication
- A child who had learned to talk and picked up on social skills, but seems to suddenly regress and not speak or connect with others
- A child whose development was progressing normally and then suddenly regresses noticeably
Parents, who may be concerned that their child shows signs of autism, should contact their pediatrician or a health professional with experience in the field of autism or developmental disabilities. Clinical experts agree that an early diagnosis and intervention are important to helping a child build their cognitive and language skills. Parents also need to look for effective educational programs at a very early age. Partnering with a quality provider that can not only educate children, but also helps young adults and their parents prepare for a life that is as independent and productive as possible.
Founded in 1912 by a Philadelphia schoolteacher, Helena Trafford Devereux, the Devereux Philosophy of Care focuses on bringing out the strengths of each individual through research-based assessment and treatment programs.
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