Signs that your child may be Autistic and what that means going forward
By Caithlin White, MSPA CPSP
In recent years Autism has been gaining more public awareness and become a bit of a hit word commonly used by many to describe or explain challenges. However there is still an air of mystery that remains as to what Autism truly is and what behaviours can relate to the disorder. My intention for this blog post is to provide information that will help take some of the mystery out what autism can look like, and provide clear steps to seeking support.
What is Autism?
Autistic people have brains that are wired differently to neurotypical brains. Autism is diagnosed by experienced professionals including Paediatricians, Psychologists and Speech Pathologists who describe a group of behaviours and symptoms. The current diagnostic criteria for Autism is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM -V) *. The descriptions of Autism by this model are based on an impairment model, meaning the diagnostic criteria is met based on a deficit/ non-neurodiversity mode. So whilst descriptions of Autism may in some reports still read as though your child is impaired or disordered it's important to recognise that despite challenges in some areas your child will have skills in others.
The current categories to meet in order to receive an Autism diagnosis are:
1. Repetitive and Restrictive Behaviours, (such as compulsive behaviours or movements), and
2. *Impaired Social Communication Skills (such as different interpretation and use of non verbal communication).
*We now recognise that whilst communication for Autistic people is different, this does not mean it is wrong/ impaired/ disordered. Challenges communicating may occur due to different communication styles and interpretations.
11 signs that your child may be Autistic
Autism is recognised based on grouping of similar behaviours and traits, however Autistic people are also as different from each other as neurotypical people! One person with a diagnosis may experience challenges in one area, but show many strengths in others.
The following are some signs and behaviours that may be present in Autistic children.
1. Your child displays repetitive behaviours (e.g. repetedly pushing buttons on toys).
2. Your child may have an absent gaze or you notice they do not often make eye contact.
3. Your child may inconsistently respond/turn when their name is called.
4. Your child prefers to play with toys that have clear order and sequences e.g. puzzles, building blocks, connecting trains/train tracks, or lining items up.
5. Your child may have extremely fussy eating habbits, perhaps preferring food of bland tastes and colours such as dry biscuits, chips or chicken nuggets.
6. Your child has different communication milestones and may have delayed language skills.
7. Your child has sensory aversions and/or seeking behaviours (e.g. may be overly sensitive to noise or seeks more movement than typical).
8. Your child prefers to be on their own or has difficulty making and/or keeping friendships.
9. Your child may appear to have heightened emotional sensitivity and difficulty regulating emotions (e.g. self calming after upsets).
10. Your child demonstrates a degree of security with order and can become anxious something is changed (e.g. if an object is moved out of order they become anxious).
11. Your child demonstrates strong interests that may be very specific topics/themes. These may change in stages of being extremely preoccupied with one thing (e.g. song/ toy/ youtube clip) then change to something new.
Who diagnoses Autism?
Autism is still diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edition), or DSM – V. Most commonly with a health care team including a Speech Pathologist, Psychologist and Paediatrician. However in some cases a Paediatrician may make the diagnosis alone.
Levels of support needs
New diagnosis under the DSM-V criteria also assigns different levels of support needs to the diagnosis. Autism is classified in levels ranging from 1 (least support needs) to 3 (most support needs).
People diagnosed with Autism also have a range of intelligence levels, some below average, all the way through to above average. However intelligence levels do not necessarily correlate exactly with support needs as many other factors, such as sensory needs, language skills and other coexisting conditions impact significantly on someone's support required.
What to do if you think your child demonstrates signs of autism?
It’s important to remember that having one or 2 signs of autism does not necessarily mean that your child is on the spectrum. However if you have observed that your child is experiencing difficulties, it may be useful to reach out for support.
Some parents prefer to dip their toes into the process, seeking support and guidance on challenges they observe and learning some proactive strategies to support their child’s development before investigating a diagnosis.
The following professionals are commonly consulted in early stages of seeking support:
- Paediatrician – support in diagnosis, developmental checks and identification of coexisting conditions and for some medication management
- Speech Pathology – support the development of aspects relating to communication skills: language, speech, fluency and typically social skill development
- Psychologist – anxiety and other mental health challenges, developing awareness and insight of others and assisting in management of relationships with others
- Occupational Therapy – supporting regulation of sensory defensive or sensory seeking behaviours, assist in toilet training amonst other activities of daily living and fussy eating programmes
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