Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
I think that my two year old son might have Autism. But my husband thinks I am overreacting. Should I talk to my pediatrician? What if my son is just a late-bloomer? Are there any red flags that I should be paying attention to?
The earliest signs of autism most often appear before a child is three years old. Some health care providers have been able to identify the warning signs in children under the age of one. Most often parents first notice the loss of skills or delays in development when their child is 15 to 18 months old.
Red Flags for Very Young Children
During the first three years of life, children typically make tremendous leaps in their growing and learning. As a parent, you will be amazed at how much your baby grows from month-to-month and even day-to-day. As someone who knows your child the best, it is important that you talk with your child’s health care provider if you have any concerns about how your child interacts with others or if your child is not growing and learning like other children you know.
Recognizing the red flags early in your child’s development is important so that your child may get the help she needs. Research shows that children who receive early help through special services and educational approaches have better outcomes. Even though it may be difficult or worrisome for parents to think something may be wrong, children will benefit from the early identification of developmental problems.
The following are red flags or absolute indicators that may signal a young child is at risk for not developing as expected and is in need of an immediate evaluation:
These concerns should be taken seriously, prompting further action by you. Make an appointment to have your child receive screening and immediate evaluation by your child’s health care provider or through Help Me Grow: Infant and Toddler Intervention services.
Not all children with autism behave in the same way. Patterns of behavior characteristic of ASD include problems with social interactions, difficulty communicating with others and a narrow range of interests or repetitive behaviors. This is what is meant by the “spectrum of autism.” Each child might display a different combination of characteristics, ranging from mild to severe.
Children with autism spectrum disorders may be non-verbal and do not interact with other children or adults, as in the case of many with “classic” autism, or what is called Autistic Disorder. On the other end of the spectrum are children with a high-functioning form of autism characterized by particular social skills and play, such as Asperger Syndrome.
To find your local Early Intervention Program, call Help Me Grow: Information and Referral Line at 1-866-693-4769 (GROW) or go to the Help Me Grow online referral.
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If you have any concerns about your child's growth and development, please talk to your child's health care provider or call 1-866-693-GROW (4769) to talk to a professional and find out ways in which you can get connected to various resources in Minnesota.