35 iParent Magazine August 2015 www.iparentmagazine.com
As a toddler, they have difficulty playing social games, don’t imitate the actions of others, and prefer to play alone. They may fail to seek comfort or respond to parents’ displays of anger or affection in typical ways.
Another indicator is repetitive patterns of behavior. These can include stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, insistence on sameness or inflexible adherence to routines, highly restricted, fixated interests, hyper or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment.
Common repetitive behaviors include hand-flapping, rocking, jumping and twirling, arranging and rearranging objects, and repeating sounds, words or phrases.
What does the term "autism spectrum" mean in relation to my child's condition?
Autism is characterized as a spectrum by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. It is likely due to a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development. All the autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).
What should you expect at your child’s first visit?
The first appointment is used to build a relationship with the patient and family. We spend time observing the child and gathering a history from the parents. We also may do testing including blood work and hearing screen. Our offices are equipped with toys and other appealing items so we can watch the child play and interact. Based on the history provided by parents and our observation, we can diagnosis a child and provide information for parents. We also do a workup to determine if there may be any underlying conditions causing these autistic features. This workup includes blood work looking at genetic and metabolic conditions as well as a hearing test. We will provide resources (Autism Speaks: The 100 Day Kit from Autism Speak, and The LoneStar LEND) to help families understand the diagnosis as well as refer for Speech and ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapy. After the initial visit, families are asked to schedule a follow up within 1 month to answer questions and discuss further interventions.
What happens in school after diagnoses
Parents, teachers, and case workers will work together to create an IEP (Independent Education Plan) via an ARD. This plan should include supports based on the child’s needs (ex. providing a specially trained classroom or one-on-one paraprofessional, altering testing environments or expectations, adapting curriculum, providing visual supports or adaptive equipment).
How do you suggest educating the public and school aged children on autism?
It can be a challenge for teachers and students to understand children with autism. I think that discussions should begin in elementary school with young children, parents, and educators to provide awareness. Parent nights and newsletters are a great way of providing information about autism and ways to provide a nurturing environment for all children.
It is important for us to be advocates and help create an environment where all children can learn and grow!