How Do I Identify Autism Early On?
Nearly all parents want the very best for their child. They are highly in tune to their child and each developmental change and achievement. Between the well-child visits with the pediatrician, all the baby books, and other neighbors and friends with children, most parents have a keen sense about whether their child may be lagging behind or exhibiting non-normative signs in development.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)can sometimes be detected as young as 18 months. Skilled neuropsychologists can make an accurate diagnosis as young as two years old. Early signs of emerging ASD can include a variety of symptoms such as: the absence of social gestures such as pointing, by 18 months having no single word utterances, little interest in other children, avoiding eye contact, non-responsive to smiling, no recognition of their name, sensitivity to sounds, smells, taste or touches, or repetitive bodily movements such as hand flapping, toe walking, or rocking.
What are the Benefits of Early Identification of Autism?
Although autism is a lifelong condition with no cure, mounting research and data is indicating that early identification and treatment has been shown to reduce a variety of risks and improve overall functioning and independence. Most studies find that getting a diagnosis before three years of age can put families in touch with services and treatments which improve long term outcomes. Tailored interventions like social skills training will improve outcomes and quality of life for the child. Studies have shown a longer life expectancy for early identification compared to those who go a lifetime without diagnosis and treatment. Early identification also helps families to begin getting educated about ways to work with autism, access school district resources, locate financial assistance if needed, and ensure the child is getting tools for managing specific deficits. Other research has shown that accessing resources and treatment prior to age four has shown improved developmental skills, cognitive functioning, adaptive behavior skills, and language skills. Intervention skills tend to work heavily on social relations, communication skills, activities of daily living, motor skills, perceptual abilities, developing daily routines, and normative social and behavioral training. Benefits are numerous and make a strong case for getting your child evaluated as soon as you are becoming concerned.
If you would like to get yourself or your child evaluated for autism by our neuropsychologist, Dr. Christina Franklin, Ph.D., LP, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment for a more thorough assessment. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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