What is autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. It can also affect how they see the world and their own body. ASD ranges in severity, so some children may have mild symptoms while others may have more severe symptoms. If you think your child may be autistic, it is important to get them evaluated by a doctor. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs of autism, as well as some coping strategies for parents of autistic children.
Some signs that your child may be autistic include:
- Not responding to their name by 12 months of age
- Not pointing at objects or waving bye-bye by 12 months of age
- Not babbling by 12 months of age
- Not making eye contact with people
- Avoids eye contact
- Prefers not to be touched or held
- Seems unaware of other people's feelings and emotions
- Has difficulty understanding other people's points of view
- Gets upset if their routine changes
- Has repetitive behaviors, such as flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or spinning in circles.
These are just a few signs that your child may be autistic. If you notice any of these signs It would be very wise to contact your family doctor.
Some ways that you can help Your child cope is by:
-Encouraging social interactions
-Helping them to communicate their wants and needs
-Teaching them coping mechanisms for when they feel overwhelmed or stressed
-Allowing them to have time to themselves to relax and recharge
-Creating a routine and sticking to it as much as possible
-Including them in activities that interest them
If you think your child may be autistic, the best thing you can do is seek out professional help. A doctor or therapist can evaluate your child and give you a diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, you can work with your child to create a treatment plan. If you would like more information on autism, please check out the resources below.
Sources:
- Autism Speaks: What is Autism?
- CDC: What are the Signs of Autism?
- National Autistic Society: What is Autism?
- WebMD: What is Autism? How to Help Your Child with Autism: What are the Signs?
Autism can be a difficult thing to cope with but there are ways that you can help your child. If you think that your child may be autistic please don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. And remember, you are not alone. There are many resources and people who want to help you and your family.
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