Understanding Autism

If you suspect that your child is autistic, here are the key steps to follow to obtain a diagnosis and begin appropriate care: 1. Observation and Documentation: Note any behaviors or signs that concern you in your child. This may include communication difficulties, limited social interactions, repetitive behaviors, or particular reactions to sensory stimuli. 2. Consultation with pediatrician: Make an appointment with your child's pediatrician to discuss your observations. The pediatrician will assess the signs you noted and perform an initial examination. Sometimes the pediatrician does not see or is not sufficiently trained. If you are convinced that your child is atypical, keep looking for answers. Trust yourself. ​ 3. Specialized evaluation: If the pediatrician deems it necessary, he will refer you to specialists for a thorough evaluation. This may include psychologists, pediatric neurologists, child psychiatrists, or other professionals who specialize in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ​ 4. Diagnostic Tests and Evaluations: Specialists will perform a series of tests and evaluations to determine if your child is on the autism spectrum. This may include behavioral assessments, developmental testing, and interactive observations. ​ 5. Obtaining the diagnosis: Based on these assessments, a diagnosis will be established. If your child is diagnosed with autism, professionals will explain to you the different characteristics of the disorder and what it means for your child but at NO time think that it is inevitable!!!! If your child is under 6 years old, contact Les Bullotins. Find out about the Son-Rise method or choose if you want to work with the AEVE association. ​ Once the diagnosis has been made, the most important thing is to get the train moving!! Whatever method you choose, it must be applied 100%. DON'T WAIT. 6. Decide on your strategy, and begin care planning: Educate Yourself!!! Discuss with therapists and professionals the best approach to care for your child. This may include behavioral therapies, speech therapy sessions, specialized educational interventions, and sometimes recommendations for accommodations