April is Autism Awareness Month -- How to Check and Where to Look For Help

In recognition of April being Autism Awareness Month a representative from Autism Speaks offers parents some basic information about identifying autism. Her advice should not be considered a substitute for a medical opinion.

“Your child has autism.” These four words can change your life forever. Immediately, questions swarm into your head: “What exactly is autism?” and “What now?” Then, there are the even deeper questions: “Will my child ever be self-sufficient?” “Who will take care of my child when I grow old?”

The most important thing to remember when your child is diagnosed with autism is you are not alone.

In only two decades, the number of children diagnosed on the autism spectrum has grown by 600%. Today, the Center for Disease Control have found one in every 110 children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

But what is autism?

Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others. It is typically diagnosed by the age of two or three, and affects people of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which ranges in symptoms of very mild, to severe.

So what should you do if you suspect your child has autism? There are three important things to keep in mind…

The first is always trust your instincts. If you notice behaviors that concern you, it’s critical to take action. If your child does have autism, early intervention is the key to providing the most positive outcome and preparing them for the future.

Second, you need to be informed and know the warning signs. People with autism spectrum disorders may have difficulties in a number of areas, including: social; emotional; and communication skills, along with different ways of learning, focusing, or reacting to certain situations as well.

Signs that may indicate a child might have autism include:

• Not following a parents finger as they point at objects, or disinterest in their surroundings
• Difficulties in relating to others
• Avoiding direct eye contact
• Difficulties expressing their emotions, or not understanding the difference in others’ emotions
• Preferring to be alone or not touched at times
• Being unresponsive to others talking to them, and distracted by other sounds in the room
• Speech delays
• Repetitive behavior, including repeating words and routines
• Difficulties in adapting to new environments, or change to an activity
• Problems expressing what it is they want

Finally, the help you need is available. There is information, along with many tools and resources available through the Autism Speaks website and offices. Autism Speaks is dedicated to helping these families be prepared and focus on the “what now?” question.

Early intervention is the key to improving your child’s future from first diagnosis. It starts with four easy steps and can grow from there.

The first step of early intervention is to keep a record of your concerns. A notebook of your child’s unusual behavior and milestones will help guide you and help you to communicate with your child’s doctor effectively.

Second, talk to your child’s doctor. While they may not be able to assist with many services, they can direct you where to go for an evaluation and help guide you along your journey.

 Third, know you are not alone. There are tools, free information, and resources available to help improve the lives of families living with autism.

Finally, download a free copy of the 100-Day Kit at www.autismspeaks.org. This kit is a valuable resource created for newly diagnosed families, and has helped lead many families through the road to early intervention.

Hearing those words “your child has autism,” will change your life, but you are not alone and there is guidance along the way. Educate yourself about autism spectrum disorders, the signs, and early intervention. These three keys will prepare both you and your child for the future, and will help guide you along your journey.