Got questions about autism that you’re too embarrassed to ask? Are you looking for a way to be a better friend, or relative to someone with an autistic child? This blog will answer the top five questions that most people want to know about autism.
Q: Can autism be diagnosed at any age?
A: Yes, autism can be diagnosed at any age, although it is often identified and recommended that autism testing and diagnosis be made in early childhood, preferably between 18-24 months.
This is because early diagnosis means your child can access the proper support to help them live a fulfilling and successful life.
Q: What are some early signs of autism?
A: Not all children develop at the same time, so a delay in reaching developmental milestones doesn’t necessarily mean that your child is autistic. However, some signs to watch out for include:
- Lack of or delay in speaking.
- Fixation on objects or specific items.
- Repetitive language or motor mannerisms.
- Avoiding eye contact.
- Little to no interest in peer relationships.
- Persistent fixation on parts of objects
Q: How long does it take to diagnose a child with autism?
A: On average, it takes anywhere from 9 months – 3 years before parents get an accurate diagnosis for their children. This lengthy wait is often very stressful for concerned parents, which is why organizations like ASD.me offer a faster way to get an accurate diagnosis. So instead of waiting for months, you get to speak with a state-licensed neuropsychologist and get a quick diagnosis for your child.
Q: What types of therapies or support are beneficial for autistic children?
A: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training are some of the therapies that can be beneficial for autistic children. Because there can be occasional overlaps in symptoms in autism and some other disorders on the spectrum, any treatment you choose to take on must be specific to your child’s needs. It’ll be helpful to find a community of parents or families with autistic children to share their tips and experiences. Nothing beats the support that you get from an active community.
Q: How can I support a parent with an autistic child?
A: Some of the ways you can show support to a parent with an autistic child are:
- Show empathy – actively listening and offering help without judgment go a long way.
- Please educate yourself about autism to better understand their experiences.
- Be at hand for times when parents need to take a break.
Other ways can be to advocate for causes related to autism and make them feel included.
That’s about it. Tell us in the comments section if you feel we missed any points.
More information and resources
You can learn more about the early signs of the spectrum disorder and how to understand what it will mean for you and your family here: