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What are early signs that my child may have
autism?
While all children develop at different rates, it is important for parents and caregivers
to be familiar with developmental milestones, such as smiling, following eye gaze,
babbling, and imitating sounds. The
CDC has launched a campaign called
"Learn the Signs. Act Early,"
to help educate parents, caregivers, and medical professionals about these early
milestones.
How is autism diagnosed?
There are no biological tests to confirm a diagnosis of autism. Identification of
the condition is based on observed behaviors.
Specific criteria are listed in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition
My doctor says I should be patient and wait
to see if my child catches up. Is that
true?
Some physicians and professionals are hesitant to diagnose autism at very early
ages because they see a lot of children who have slight or brief delays and then
develop normally. As parents, and daycare or preschool providers, you see your child
every day. Where you may see a pattern, your pediatrician may see shyness or a mild
delay. There may also be a belief that if the child is labeled with a problem too
early, parents may reduce expectations for the child and restrict the child's access
to typical experiences and opportunities.
Thus, professionals may take on a "wait and see" stance that delays diagnosis. Although
such concerns may seem valid, the benefits of early diagnosis vastly outweigh the
risks. These benefits include the relief parents may feel in having their concerns
validated, and in their ability to address the problem as early as possible.
Why is early diagnosis so important?
Experts agree there can be great harm in delaying a diagnosis.
Only with a diagnosis can parents begin to obtain necessary intervention
services for their child. In the preschool
years, brain development is still occurring.
Therefore, we can make the most impact on a child’s learning and language development
through early intervention and be more effective than if we begin at a later age.
As many studies have now shown, early intervention is critical for the best outcome
in children with autism.
How do I get my child evaluated?
Your child can be evaluated by a developmental pediatrician or at one of the
Virginia diagnostic centers.
Can VIA diagnose my child?
No. VIA does not provide diagnostic
services. Click
here
for a list of diagnostic centers in
Virginia
.
What do I do after my child has been diagnosed?
A diagnosis of autism can feel very overwhelming, especially with the flood of conflicting
information parents may get from doctors, concerned family and friends, and the
internet. For a guide to next steps
after diagnosis, we recommend the
100 day kit
from Autism Speaks.
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