I Think My Child Might Have Autism: What Can I Do?

Autism causes a range of symptoms affecting a child’s ability to communicate verbally and nonverbally and to relate themselves to others and the physical world, keeping them from thinking and acting in a flexible way. 

These effects typically emerge in early childhood, and prompt intervention helps a child’s ability to cope with autism and avoid developmental issues due to the disorder. How, though, does a parent recognize these early signs and more importantly, how should they act on their suspicions? 

A close relationship with a pediatrician like Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD is often key to the successful diagnosis and management of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Dr. Tandon and her team offer specialty autism support, from screening to care plans. 

If you think your child might have autism, contact our office as soon as possible. 

Early signs of autism

Recognizing actions and behaviors that might indicate ASD isn’t always easy, particularly when your child is very young. Signs and symptoms of autism can also be quite varied and individual. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) breaks down potential ASD behaviors into three groups. 

Communication and social interaction

Communication and social performance is often different for those with ASD. Watch your child for characteristics such as: 

• Avoiding eye contact
• Not showing a typical range of facial expressions by the age of nine months
• Not responding to their name by the age of nine months
• Displaying few common gestures, like returning a wave, by the age of 12 months
• Refusing to participate in simple interactive games like peekaboo or pat-a-cake
• Not sharing their interests with others
• Failing to recognize emotions in others by the age of 24 months
• Not being drawn into play with other children about their age by the age of 36 months
• Not pretending to be another person or character by the age of 48 months

Unusual behaviors or interests

A child with ASD may have repetitive or restricted behaviors and interests. These can include: 

• A preference for order, such as arranging toys. They may get upset if you make changes
• Following particular routines of their own creation
• Playing with toys in a particular, singular way
• Focusing on parts of toys and objects rather than the whole
• Unusual responses to sensory inputs like sound, taste, or feel
• Focused, obsessed interests in objects or topics
• Unusual repeated physical movement, such as rocking or spinning

Other ASD characteristics

As a result of ASD, sometimes other common characteristics emerge. Watch for things like: 

• Language, learning, or movement skills are slow to develop
• Hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors
• Unusual habits with things like eating or sleeping
• Unusual emotional reactions, either over- or under-expressed
• Proneness to anxiety and stress
• A sense of fear that’s greater or less than the norm

Any of these traits may be cause to investigate possible autism with Dr. Tandon and her team. 

I think my child might have autism. What can I do? 

Once you suspect autistic tendencies, the next step is a diagnostic evaluation. We can help you with that by arranging screenings to better identify the specific challenges your child may face. 

Upon confirming an ASD diagnosis, we’ll develop a care plan to ease your child into productive social and communicative behaviors. We also interact directly with child care and schools to assure that these providers understand the unique aspects of your child’s condition. 

Call or click today to book an ASD assessment with Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD.