Approximately one in every 44 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Some are diagnosed earlier than others.
But, the earlier autism is caught, the better your treatment options are – and the happier your child will be as they get older.
So, are you trying to figure out if your toddler might have autism? Read on to find out what you need to know about autism in toddlers.
Autism Symptoms in Toddlers
It’s important to look out for signs of autism in toddlers, so you’ll know if you need to take your child in for an evaluation.
One of the major signs of autism in toddlers is delays in developing language skills. This isn’t a reason to panic, however. If your child isn’t meeting developmental milestones when it comes to language, you should start by talking to your doctor.
There may be another explanation for the delay. Your child may simply need to work with a speech therapist, for example.
Another sign of autism in toddlers is not developing simple social cues. Toddlers will learn to look at their parents face when they’re talking to them – but toddlers with autism might not.
Luckily, you’re not alone when it comes to looking out for autism. Your child’s pediatrician will screen for autism at your child’s 18-month and 24-month checkup. That’s the time when you should discuss any signs of autism you might have noticed, to give your child’s doctor as much information as possible.
Autism Therapy for Toddlers
If your child is diagnosed with autism, you’ll want to look into treatment options for them as soon as possible. This will help ensure that they’re on the path to success. You can make sure they have any educational support that they need once they start school, and that they start learning how to communicate with neurotypical people around them.
Especially when it comes to toddlers, family involvement is very important in the treatment for autism. Your child isn’t the only one who will need to adapt to their situation.
You might not have had a lot of previous education about autism, or you might have heard misinformation. Getting the right information and learning how to incorporate it into your family’s everyday life will make all the difference for your child.
ABA therapy for toddlers can be helpful depending on your child’s needs. A specialist can help determine what might be beneficial in your situaiton.
It’s important to remember that autism can present in different ways (which is why it’s called Autism Spectrum Disorder), and everyone’s experience is different. You should also keep in mind there’s nothing wrong with your child – they’re not sick, they’re just different.
Autism in Toddlers: Now You Know
There’s so much to know about autism in toddlers, but hopefully, this article has pointed you in the right direction regarding what you should research further.
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