What you may need when your child or family member has an autism diagnosis?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition which makes social communication, behavior, and daily life challenging. The American Psychiatric Association defines some symptoms of social deficits as decreased sharing of interests with others, difficulty appreciating their own & others' emotions, and aversion to maintaining eye contact potential signs of autism in children. The APA also cites inflexibility of behavior, extreme difficulty coping with change, being overly focused on niche subjects to the exclusion of others, and sensory hypersensitivity as behavioral deficits that could indicate an underlying autism diagnosis.
What steps should I take if I think my child shows signs of ASD?
- Talk to your child' s primary care provider. Your child' s PCP can screen for developmental concerns and recommend you specialists in your area.
- Make consultations with specialists to find the right provider for you and your child.
- Refer to Early Intervention programs and other resources to get your child an official evaluation.
- If further action is the next step, look for therapy providers that match your needs. Physical, occupational, speech, and language therapy are often beneficial for children on the autism spectrum.
- Check your insurance coverage. - Look into state support agencies and programs that can cater to your individual wants and needs.
