Parents are the experts on their children. Every child develops at his or her individual pace. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance someone has mentioned the word “autism” in connection with a child whom you love dearly.
This post is meant to provide an overview of autism.
Autism in Simple Terms
Autism (often called autism spectrum disorder, or ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference in how a person’s brain processes information, especially around social interaction, communication, and sensory experiences. It is present from birth, although signs may become more noticeable as a child grows.
People often talk about autism as a “spectrum” because no two children with autism are the same. Some children will speak earlier than other children. Some children may have very specific interests. Other children may communicate in nonverbal ways.
Autism is not caused by bad parenting, too much screen time, or vaccines. It’s a complex, brain-based difference with a strong genetic component.
Common Signs You Might Notice
Every child is unique, but there are some common patterns that lead parents and professionals to consider an autism evaluation. You might notice:
- Communication differences
- Delayed speech
- Repeating phrases
- Not responding to their name or seeming “in their own world” at times
- Social differences
- Limited eye contact
- Preferring to play alone or in their own way instead of joining play with other children
- Difficulty understanding social “rules,” like taking turns or sharing
- Play and behavior patterns
- Strong interest in lining up toys, spinning wheels, or watching the same clip over and over
- Getting very attached to routines or rituals and becoming upset with changes
- Deep, intense interests (for example, in trains, animals, letters, or specific shows)
- Sensory differences
- Being very sensitive to noise, textures, lights, or certain kinds of touch
- Seeking sensory input, like jumping, spinning, or touching lots of things
- Distress in busy places like supermarkets, birthday parties, or loud restaurants
Seeing some of these signs does not automatically mean your child is autistic, but it may be a reason to talk with your pediatrician or ask for a developmental evaluation.
What Autism Is Not
When you first hear “autism,” you may encounter a lot of myths. It helps to clear some of those up early:
- Autism is not a disease you “catch” or something you caused.
- Autism does not mean your child cannot learn, grow, or enjoy relationships.
- Autism does not erase your child’s personality, strengths, or sense of humor.
- Autism is not the same in every child; one child’s challenges and strengths can look very different from another’s.
- Autism is not a mental illness.
Many people with autism and their families describe autism as a different way of experiencing the world rather than something that needs to be “fixed.”
Next Steps for Parents
If you notice several of these signs, trust your instincts
- Track Milestones: Use tools like the CDC’s Milestone Tracker App or the M-CHAT-R™ screening tool to gather specific data.
- Speak with Your child’s physician: Be direct. Use phrases like, “My child prefers to play alone, and I’m concerned about their development.”
- Request a Consultation: Schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Show-Me State Pediatrics to determine if your child qualifies for a comprehensive developmental evaluation using EarliPoint™ technology. Click the link to schedule your complimentary consultation: https://showmestatepediatrics.com/contact/
Remember: A diagnosis is only a part of the process to help your child reach their full potential. Every child is unique. Every family’s journey is different. Support is available and you are not alone.