Unveiling the Early Signs of Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Understanding the early signs of autism is important for families and can facilitate early support for your autistic child. Researchers, parents and clinicians are learning more and more every day about the early signs of autism.

Many online checklists outline some of the early signs of autism. These can include not responding to one's own name, not making eye contact, being interested in playing, but not in sharing interests with others, getting stuck on a particular activity or interest, or exhibiting social and communication differences. It is important for parents to know that the earliest signs vary from child to child, and the best thing to do is to seek a proper evaluation from a qualified professional.

The waiting game is a common frustration among parents. Although parents may notice some differences in their child, the waiting period for an official diagnosis can be lengthy. Know that parents do not need to wait for a diagnosis before seeking support. Early intervention services, such as occupational therapy (OT) and speech therapy, can begin even before an official diagnosis is received. This approach allows children to receive crucial support during a critical developmental period, increasing their chances of positive outcomes.

Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, a highly respected developmental pediatrician, delves into the early signs of autism in an article he wrote for Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine. In his article, he provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on early identification and emphasizes the importance of early intervention for children suspected to be autistic. For more detailed information and practical advice, be sure to read Dr. Zwaigenbaum's article.

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