TIPS AND TRICKS

Early Signs Your Child May Be Autistic

Early intervention is key for helping autistic children thrive. And to get early intervention, you need early diagnosis. These are the signs to look for.

They don’t show facial expressions or respond to their name by 9 months.
They don’t use gestures, such as waving, by 12 months.
They don’t share interests, such as by showing you a toy they like, by 15 months.
They avoid eye contact.
They line up toys and get upset if their line is disrupted.
They focus on parts of objects, such as the wheels of a toy car.
They repeat words or phrases over and over.

To learn more about the signs of autism, check out this guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

TIPS AND TRICKS

How to Support Autistic Children

Typical parenting methods may not work on a neurodivergent child. These tips to make life easier for both you and your kid.

Stick to a routine.
Use clear language.
Learn which type of sensory experiences they like and which are overwhelming.
Identify what triggers their meltdowns, and avoid those triggers.
Keep rules simple and consistent across environments.
So long as they aren’t hurting anyone, let them stim.
Don’t rely on lists like this. Because every autistic kid is unique, figure out what works best for your child.