When parents bring their child to the doctor due to concerns about developmental delays, hearing terms like “autism,” “special needs,” or “autistic spectrum” can be shocking and frightening. However, getting a diagnosis and accepting the reality is the crucial first step in helping your child lead a better life. This article will explore the experience of parents upon receiving an autism diagnosis and how to best support your child.

When Should You Take Your Child to the Doctor?

“Autism” can be observed through some noticeable behaviors: “lack of eye contact, lack of speech, lack of pointing,” which can often be identified from 18 months of age onward. Children with autism tend to show a lack of interest in people around them—this is reflected in the term “Autism,” derived from the Greek word Autos, meaning “self.” The child tends to be absorbed in their own world, not making eye contact, not smiling, and not engaging in social play—all different from typical children’s behaviors.

If your child has any of the following signs, it is recommended to see a specialist for a detailed developmental evaluation:

1. No Interaction with Others: Such as not making eye contact, showing no facial expressions when greeted, playing alone, or not interacting well with peers.

2. Communication Issues: Delays in speech development, lack of language understanding, repeating phrases nonsensically, or not speaking at all.

3. Repetitive Behaviors: Hand flapping, spinning, walking on tiptoe, resistance to changes in daily routines, and fixating on certain objects.

4. Emotional Challenges: Inappropriate emotional responses, such as laughing or crying for no reason, irritability, tantrums, self-harm, or aggressive behaviors.

5. Regressive Behaviors: For instance, previously saying “mom” or “dad” but stopping after the age of two.

How is Autism Diagnosed?

When your child shows symptoms that align with autism, the physician will carry out an assessment that includes:

1. Medical History Review

•  Developmental History: Such as milestones in walking, playing, talking, and behavior.
•  Family History: Any developmental issues in the family.
•  Daily Life Behavior: Childcare routines, diet, screen time, daily activities, medications, and vitamins.
•  General Health Review: Including general health status and any significant health conditions.

2. Physical Examination: To assess any health issues that might be affecting development.

3. Developmental Assessments: Using standard tools such as:

• M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers): For young children between 18-48 months.
• ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule): Direct behavioral observations in various situations.
• ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised): Interviews with caregivers about the child’s behaviors.

4. Psychological Evaluation: Including psychological assessments or IQ testing as needed.

5. Additional Tests: Such as hearing tests, EEG to check for seizures, or brain imaging to detect abnormalities.

6. Severity Classification: Autism is classified into three levels: 

• Level 1: Requires support.
• Level 2: Requires substantial support.
• Level 3: Requires very substantial support.

In cases involving children younger than two years or those with milder symptoms, doctors may initially describe the condition as delayed development or communication problems rather than labeling it as autism. With appropriate interventions, some children may develop in line with typical peers.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

The key to effective treatment is early diagnosis. Studies show that if treatment begins before the age of three, there is a significantly better chance for improved development compared to those diagnosed after age six.

Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach that covers all aspects of the child’s well-being, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, behavioral modification, avoiding screen time, diet adjustments, and more. 

Modern medical advances have also shown that brain stimulation using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is another effective way to help restore brain function. These methods help stimulate neurons, resulting in rapid improvement when tailored to each child’s needs. Since this is an emerging technology, it should be applied by experts to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Tips for Families to Cope

1. Understand the Condition: Educate yourself about autism to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options thoroughly.

2. Acceptance: It is natural for parents and families to feel anxious, sad, or confused. Accepting the reality and working to find solutions scientifically is key.

3. Talk to Professionals: Consult with doctors or child development specialists for guidance on appropriate caregiving and therapies.

4. Build a Support Network: Join support groups or autism communities to exchange experiences and receive support from others who understand.

5. Set Realistic Goals: Develop achievable goals and training plans.

6. Stay Positive: Encourage yourself and your family with positive reinforcement for small achievements.

Preparing Your Child for a Better Future

1. Create an Accurate Understanding of Autism: Foster their development in a positive direction, especially in early childhood, which is the optimal period for behavior modification. Delayed intervention may lead to limited development.

2. Support Development Training: Find suitable programs or schools that can train and support your child.

3. Encourage Communication Skills: Avoid screens, encourage interactive play, vocal practice, and engage in two-way communication.

4. Manage Behavior: Ignore inappropriate behavior and provide positive reinforcement. Avoid indulging in demands that can lead to tantrums, and instead foster discipline.

5. Build a Support System: Talk to other parents and join support groups for children with autism or developmental delays.

6. Promote Life Skills Development: Teach money management, cooking, and self-care skills to prepare for future independence.

7. Maintain Mental Health: Prioritize your child’s mental health by creating a safe, supportive environment.

8. Open Communication: Listen to your child with an open heart, understand their needs, and be receptive to their feelings.

Brainwell Medical hopes this article provides parents with confidence in taking their child for autism screening and emphasizes the importance of acceptance and preparation in all areas of life.

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