Do you think you have a Neurodivergent child?
Here are some common red flags for autism in children between the ages of 0 to 3 years:
- Limited or no social interactions: The child may not make eye contact, respond to their name, or initiate social interactions.
- Delayed language development: The child may not babble, coo, or point to objects of interest by 12 months of age.
- Repetitive behaviors: The child may engage in repetitive behaviors such as rocking, spinning, or lining up toys.
- Limited imaginative play: The child may not engage in pretend play or may only repeat actions they have seen before.
- Difficulty with changes in routine: The child may have difficulty adapting to changes in their environment or routine.
- Unusual sensory behaviors: The child may be over-sensitive or under-sensitive to certain sensory stimuli such as light, sound, or touch.
It’s important to note that these red flags are not diagnostic, a professional diagnosis is needed for autism.
Here is a checklist of things to consider after a child has been newly diagnosed with autism:
- Learn as much as you can about autism: Read books, articles, and research studies to gain a better understanding of autism and its impact on the child.
- Connect with other families: Join support groups and online communities where you can connect with other families who have children with autism.
- Identify the child’s strengths and challenges: Understand the child’s strengths, challenges, and areas of difficulty, and use this information to develop a plan of action.
- Explore early intervention options: Learn about different early intervention programs and therapies that are available to help the child develop their communication, social, and cognitive skills.
- Find a qualified professional: Find a qualified occupational therapist, speech therapist, or psychologist who has experience working with children with autism.
- Develop a support system: Build a support system of family, friends, and professionals who can help you navigate the challenges of caring for a child with autism.
- Understand the legal rights: Learn about the legal rights of children with autism and their families, such as the right to a free and appropriate public education.
- Learn about available resources: Learn about the resources available to families of children with autism, such as financial assistance, respite care, and transportation services.
- Plan for the future: Start planning for the child’s future, including education, employment, and independent living.
- Take care of yourself: Remember to take care of yourself and your own well-being, as caring for a child with autism can be demanding.
Action Plan: An action plan for a child newly diagnosed with autism should include the following steps:
- Develop a comprehensive evaluation: Complete a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s strengths and needs, including assessments of their cognitive, language, social, and adaptive skills.
- Develop an individualized treatment plan: Based on the evaluation, develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the child’s specific needs and goals.
- Implement evidence-based interventions: Choose interventions that have been proven to be effective for children with autism, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), Occupational therapy (OT)
- Monitor progress: Regularly monitor the child’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure the child is making progress.
- Collaborate with a team of professionals: Work closely with a team of professionals, including a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and special education teacher, to ensure the child is receiving comprehensive and coordinated care.
- Communicate with the school: If the child is of school age, work closely with the school to ensure the child is receiving appropriate support and accommodations in the classroom.
- Involve the family: Involve the family in the treatment plan and provide them with education, support, and resources to help them better understand and support their child.
- Continuously reassess: Continuously reassess the child’s progress and adapt the treatment plan as needed to ensure the child is making progress and reaching their goals.