How to Follow Up on Suspicion of Autism

Autism and related pervasive developmental disorders need to be identified as soon as possible. Early intervention is crucial for the child's development and social progress. Any suspicion of autism should be addressed immediately. Following are steps parents who expect that their infant or toddler has a pervasive developmental disorder.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Access to information about autism
• Information about normal child development
• Writing utensil and paper
• Calendar
• Notebook, pen and paper
• Telephone

The First Signs

1. Look for the early signs of autism. The baby may not cry, won't respond to his name or smile by six month of age. The infant may not point to objects or babble by 12 months. She may not use words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months.
2. Take note of developmental milestones. Find out when infants and toddlers normally learn to sit up, crawl and walk. Some delays are no reason for alarm but should be investigated if paired with social and communication delays.
3. Make an appointment with the child's pediatrician once the suspicion of autism arises. It is better to make an unnecessary appointment rather than ignore a possible developmental delay.

Appointments and Screening

4. Clearly express concerns about the suspicion of autism to the pediatrician. Give examples of the child's behavior, communication habits and social interaction. Ask for an evaluation and get references for a developmental specialist.
5. Make an appointment with a developmental specialist if the evaluation suggests that there may be a developmental delay. Make the appointment as soon as possible even though the child will probably need to see an auditory specialist first.
6. Schedule an appointment with an auditory specialist. In some cases, very young children who have hearing impairments exhibit communication and social delays similar to autism. This avenue probably be explored. Cancel the appointment with the developmental specialist if the symptoms are caused by an auditory problem.
7. Read as much information as possible about pervasive developmental disorders. Prepare to answer questions during the evaluation by making close observations of the child's communication, play and gross motor development.
8. Follow the developmental specialist's instructions. Parents should receive a folder brimming with information about autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. Study this information and continue to research the topic.
9. Contact the local MHMR organization to set an appointment for early intervention services. Most of these organizations conduct in-home meetings for the family's convenience. It also helps to observe the child in his natural environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow through the moment that suspicion arises.
• The child does not need to have all of the symptoms to have an evaluation.
• Do not take a wait-and-see approach with a child's possible developmental delay.
• The pediatrician's evaluation is a series of questions that parents answer.
• Call the developmental specialist immediately.
• There is usually a two to three month wait for an appointment with developmental specialist.