Are you worried that your child may have autism? Let's see what we can do!

Do you have any concerns or doubts about your child's development or behavior? Do you think that your child may have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? It's normal to feel that way. The most important thing is to talk to a doctor about it if you have any concerns and get the necessary tests done. Because children with these conditions need special help, and if these conditions are identified early, treatment can begin sooner. Then the results are much better.

Why do you need to research this in advance?

Simply put, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that affects a child's brain development. This can affect a child's social interactions, communication skills, and behavior. However, it is not a disease, but a condition .

New screening tools now allow us to identify these conditions much earlier. So, if your child needs special support, it 's best to start as early as possible. That way, your child will get a lot of help to reach their full potential.

So, what should you do?

Okay, if you have such doubts about your child, there are a few steps you can take. Let's see what they are.

1. Talk to your child's doctor first.

This is the first and most important step. Discuss all your concerns and doubts clearly with your child's pediatrician or family doctor.

• What unusual behaviors do you see?
• Is the child not getting along with other children?
• Is it too late to talk?
• Or do you just do the same thing over and over again?

Explain things like this clearly. If possible, videotape your child doing something strange at home, or any behavior that you find suspicious. That way, it will be easier for the doctor/doctor to understand the situation.

Think about it, sometimes we feel like the doctor didn't really listen to us, or didn't take it seriously enough. In such cases , don't be afraid to ask questions again. If you're still not satisfied, you have the right to see another doctor. The best interests of the child are the most important thing.

2. See a specialist

Your child's doctor will listen to what you say, examine your child, and if he or she has any doubts, he or she will refer you to another specialist.

There are several specialists who can be referred at times like this:

• Child Psychologist: A specialist in the mental health and behavioral problems of children.
• Developmental Pediatrician: A specialist in the treatment of delays and problems in the physical, mental, and behavioral development of children.

You may have to wait a while to see these specialists (you may be on a waiting list), so it is very important to register as soon as possible.

3. Get an evaluation for autism

The specialist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the child. This will look closely at whether the child is showing signs of autism.

This assessment may typically include the following:

• Obtaining information from parents about the child's development, behavior, and family history.
• Observing the child's behavior, communication patterns, and social skills.
• Perhaps using standardized tests and questionnaires.

The results of this assessment will determine what specific therapeutic services your child needs, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy. Therefore, ask your specialist in advance about what tests will be performed and how long they will take.

4. Some assessments may even be free!

This can vary from country to country. However, in many countries, especially for young children (e.g. under 3 years old), there are free assessment services to check for developmental delays. These may be implemented as "Early Intervention" programs.

• If your child is very young, check with your local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Office, children's hospitals, or child development centers.
• If your child is over 3 years old, you may be able to get a free developmental assessment through your local Ministry of Education (e.g., special education units). It is worth checking with the relevant departments about this as well.

What are the treatment options?

Many children with developmental delays or autism benefit greatly from therapies such as:

• Speech Therapy: Helps with speech difficulties, difficulties understanding and using language.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps with daily tasks (dressing, eating, working with toys) and sensory issues.
• Physical Therapy: Helps with things like body movement, balance, and muscle strengthening.
• Behavioral Therapy: Helps reduce inappropriate behaviors and promote good behaviors. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-known method under this category.

Ask your doctor for a referral for these therapeutic services. Some insurance policies may cover these services. Therefore, check with your insurance company to see how these services are covered.

Let's also look into insurance coverage a little.

Even if your child is not diagnosed with autism, your insurance may cover parent counseling or parent training programs. Check with your insurance company to make sure. Some insurance plans may also cover one hour of behavioral therapy per week.

Things you can do with your child at home

Along with medical treatment and therapy services, you can also do many fun activities at home that help develop your child's language skills and social skills.

Shall we play together?

• Sit on the floor and play with your child. Set aside at least 20 minutes a day for this. Choose a game that your child likes, and let him lead the game. Join him in his play. This will also strengthen your bond with your child.

Let's teach in small steps.

• When teaching a new skill to your child, don't teach it all at once, but break it down into small, simple steps. Demonstrate one step and help your child do it. Once your child has done the step correctly, praise them profusely (e.g., "Hooray! Your son/daughter is so smart!") and then move on to the next step.

Imagine, if you were teaching how to put on shoes, you could first teach them how to put the shoe on, then how to hold the laces, and then how to tie them. This method is very effective.

Support from government and other institutions

In many countries, there are government and non-government organizations that help families with children with autism. You can look into places that provide similar services in Sri Lanka as well.

• Government agencies like the Department of Social Services .
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work for children with special needs.
• Parent Support Groups.

You may be able to get information, guidance, and perhaps even financial assistance from places like these.

What else do you want to know?

There is a lot of information about autism online, that is, on the Internet. However, not all of it is reliable. Some of the information may be incorrect or may not be relevant to your child.

Therefore, always try to obtain information only from trusted, reputable sources.

For example:

• International organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Recognized medical associations in your country (e.g., Sri Lanka Pediatricians Association).
• Internationally recognized autism organizations (e.g. The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee `(IACC)`, The Association for Autism and Neurodiversity `(AANE)`, The Autism Society, Autism Speaks).

The information on the websites of such institutions is usually accurate and up-to-date.

Remember as a summary (Take-Home Message)

If you have doubts about your child, don't keep them in your heart and be sad.

• Talk to a doctor immediately.
• See a specialist if necessary.
• Make a proper assessment.
• Provide the child with the necessary therapeutic services.
• Work with your child at home with love and patience.
• You are not alone. There are other parents, doctors, and therapists who have had similar experiences to you to help you through this journey.

Remember, taking early action is the most valuable gift you can give your child. By doing so, you can give them the strength and skills they need to live a happy, successful life.

Autism, child development, specialist, speech therapy, early intervention, parent support, autism symptoms