Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be indicated by developmental delays. For example, a child with autism may be slow to babble and acquire language skills. All children develop at their own paces. Slight deviations from the expected childhood development milestones are not necessarily a cause for concern. However, it’s advisable to share your developmental concerns with a specialist sooner, rather than later, given that early intervention is crucial for fostering a favorable outcome in children with autism.
Inform Your Child’s Pediatrician
Often, the child’s pediatrician is the first person that parents will consult regarding potential symptoms of autism. Pediatricians have a thorough understanding of typical developmental milestones and can determine if your child may benefit from an autism screening.
Consult an ABA Therapist
Another step to take is to look for an ABA therapist near you who can evaluate your child for autism. Ahead of the evaluation, you may wish to write a list of your concerns and observations of your child’s developmental issues . Let the ABA therapist know, for instance, if your child refuses eye contact or is behind on language acquisition milestones. You should also inform the therapist if your child was progressing typically, but then began experiencing a regression.
Learn How to Help Your Child
If your child does have autism, you should be aware that there are support services available for your family. Your child’s ABA therapist can assess his or her unique needs and limitations, and develop personalized recommendations for your family. Early intervention can help your child overcome obstacles to making friends, behaving appropriately, and progressing in school. Parent training classes can help your family understand how best to respond to various situations and encourage desirable behaviors in your child.
The Behavior Exchange provides ABA therapy and extensive support services for families affected by autism. If you’ve noticed possible signs of autism in your child, you can schedule a consultation with one of our friendly specialists today. Call our ABA school near Plano at (888) 716-8084 or visit us on the Web to learn more about our services.