Your child's doctor will look for signs of developmental delays at
regular checkups. If your child shows some signs of autism, you may be
referred to a doctor who specializes in treating children with autism.
This specialist, working with a team of professionals, can perform a
formal evaluation for the disorder.
Because autism varies widely in severity and signs, making a diagnosis
may be difficult. There isn't a medical test to pinpoint the disorder.
Instead, a formal evaluation consists of observing your child and
talking to you about how your child's social skills, language skills and
behavior have changed over time. To help reach a diagnosis, your child
may undergo a number of developmental tests covering speech, language
and psychological issues.
Although the signs of autism often appear by 18 months, formal diagnosis
usually isn't made until age 2 or 3, when there may be more obvious
delays in language development. Early diagnosis is important, because
early intervention — preferably before age 2 1/2 or 3 — seems to be
associated with the best chance for significant improvement.
Treatment
There's no cure for autism, and there's no "one-size-fits-all"
treatment. In fact, the range of home-based and school-based treatments
and interventions for autism can be overwhelming. Your doctor can help
identify resources in your area that may work for your child. Treatment
options may include:
-
Behavioral and
communication therapies.
Many programs have been developed to address the range of social,
language and behavioral difficulties associated with autism. Some
programs focus on reducing problem behaviors and teaching new
skills. Other programs focus on teaching children how to act in
social situations or how to communicate better with other people.
-
Drug therapies.
Some medications may improve specific behaviors, such as
hyperactivity. Right now, there are no medications that seem to
directly improve the core signs of autism. Your doctor likely won't
prescribe medication for your child unless your child's behavior is
potentially dangerous or it interferes with his or her ability to
participate in educational programs.
-
Complementary
approaches.
Some parents choose to supplement educational and medical
intervention with complementary therapies, such as art therapy,
music therapy, special diets, vitamin and mineral supplements, and
sensory integration — which focuses on reducing a child's
hypersensitivity to touch or sound. Discuss these therapies with
your child's doctor or psychologist before including them in an
overall treatment plan.
Children with autism seem to respond well to highly structured,
specialized education programs that are tailored to meet their needs.
Successful programs often incorporate a team of specialists and a
variety of interventions to improve social skills, communication and
behavior.
Your child won't "outgrow" autism. But he or she can learn to function
within the confines of his or her disability, especially if treatment
begins early. Preschool children who receive intensive, individualized
behavioral interventions show good progress.
Coping skills
Researchers are hunting for clues to the cause of autism, in the hopes
that better understanding of the disorder will lead to better
treatments. The future looks bright, but that doesn't necessarily help
families who face the challenge of living with autism today.
Raising a child with autism can be physically exhausting and emotionally
draining. These ideas may help:
-
Find a team of
trusted professionals.
You'll need to make important decisions about your child's education
and treatment. Find a team of teachers and therapists who can help
evaluate the options in your area and explain the federal
regulations regarding children with disabilities. Make sure this
team includes a case manager or service coordinator, who can help
access financial services and government programs.
-
Take time for
yourself and other family members.
Caring for a child with autism can be a round-the-clock job that
puts stress on your marriage and your whole family. To avoid
burnout, take time out to relax, exercise or enjoy your favorite
activities. Try to schedule one-on-one time with your other children
and plan date nights with your spouse — even if it's just watching a
movie together after the children go to bed.
-
Seek out other
families of autistic children.
Other families struggling with the challenges of autism can be a
source of useful advice. Many communities have support groups for
parents and siblings of children with autism.
-
Learn about the
disorder.
There are many myths and misconceptions about autism. Learning the
truth can help you better understand your child and his or her
attempts to communicate. With time, you'll likely be rewarded by
seeing your child grow and learn and even show affection — in his or
her own way.
Autism > 1 >
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