There are many lists of warning signs for autism, but no 2 children present the same symptoms. I am listing some of the early signs I saw from my boys. The second time around I was watching my son Ty's every move, so I was able to identify these signs very early on. Here are some things I saw...or didn't see...from my boys:
1. No response to name: Both of my boys had this skill and lost it. Brady lost this skill around 14 months and Tyler around 11 months. When you call your child's name, they should turn their head to you, orient their body toward you, give you some response. If they don't do that at least 8 out of 10 times you call their name...something is wrong. Starting out with a hearing test ordered by your pediatrician is a good starting point, we did so both times. Although it wasn't the problem for my boys, it is a good thing to rule out. If their hearing is fine and they still do not respond to their name...this may be a sign.
2. No clapping/pointing/waving: Brady clapped and waved at 11 months, but around his first birthday those skills slipped away. To this day he has never pointed. Tyler never developed any of the 3 skills. These are gestures that a child should naturally develop through imitation. If a child loses these skills, or never develops them at all...this may be a sign. You may even notice a child's inability to imitate anything...this may be a sign as well.
3. Loss of speech: This is probably the most well known sign of autism. I remember Brady's first word - it was Mommy. He was 11 months old and we were in a furniture store picking out a new couch for the home we were moving into. He yelled it across the store to get my attention...it was a beautiful sound. After his first birthday, Brady never spoke again. He finally gained speech again a few months ago, just before his 4th birthday. Tyler has a small amount of babbling, but no real words. At 18-months-old, a child should have some words. Don't put your suspicions off if everyone tells you "he's a late talker, boys always develop slower than girls"..don't wait, this may be a sign.
4. Loss of eye contact: Both of my boys experienced this, but it was a gradual loss. Brady lost it later than Ty did, but Ty has quickly gained it back through lots of engagement. If a child won't look at you, dodges your gaze, that could be a sign.
5. Obsessions: Ty at 15 months had already started to obsess over doors - wanting to open and close them repeatedly, or if he saw a door open he would immediately go close it. This didn't show up in Brady until much later, around 2-1/2 years old. Both of my boys at an early age fixated on puzzle pieces. They both wanted to flip over the pieces and look at (or even mouth) the small metal screw. Some kids line things up or spin wheels on toys rather than play with the toys appropriately. These may all be warning signs.
6. Sensory behaviors: Both of my boys exhibited odd sensory behaviors at an early age. Both wanted to be inverted or stand on their head for long periods of time, wanted to play with the tags on clothing or toys for long periods of time, didn't like messy substances such as sand or playdoh, avoided many food textures or were insanely picky eaters, and most kids on the spectrum either crave swinging or are scared of it. I will write an entire blog on sensory behaviors and ways to use a sensory diet and occupational therapy to improve these soon.
Finally, don't let people convince you that since your child is loving and affectionate that they couldn't have autism. My boys are both incredibly affectionate, they love hugs and kisses, love to be around people, and this has always been the case for both of them. Although some children on the autism spectrum refuse affection, I believe that to be the minority in the families I have met. If you suspect any of these signs, or any other delays, take action...do something about it...talk to your pediatrician, if they don't give merit to your concerns - get a new pediatrician. Call your county Help Me Grow program and communicate your concerns about your child as soon as possible. Do whatever you need to do to have your child professionally evaluated and get them the help they need.
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2 comments:
Sarah - correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard that it can take awhile to get an appointment for an evaluation. So, if you suspect something in your child, wouldn't it be wise to go ahead and set up an appointment in case it takes several weeks or even months?
You are exactly right Megan. If a parent suspects any of these signs or aothers in their child, I would immediately get on the waitlist for an evaluation at 2 or more agencies. Most times it is a 6-12 month wait for a developmental evaluation, and in that time one of 2 things can happen. Either your child will dvelop past your concerns, which is great news, and then you will have no need for an evaluation. Or your concerns may grow, and in this case (as it was with both of my boys), you will be that much closer to an appointment and getting your child the help they need.
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