Q. What is autism?
A.
Autism is a developmental disability that generally appears before the
age of 3. Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the
areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive
function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal
and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play
activities.
Q. What are the signs of autism?
A.
Difficulty initiating communication with others - Rather than asking
for help with something, the child may struggle alone without looking
around for assistance; Unable to initiate and respond to
opportunities to share experiences with others - Children with
autism may not follow their parents gaze or initiate contact with
others; Different way of playing with toys - Instead of using a
toy as it is meant to be used, like picking up a toy fork and pretending
to eat with it, the child may do something different with the toy;
Significantly reduced variety of sounds, words, and gestures used to
communicate - Compared with typically developing children, children
with autism have a much smaller inventory of sounds, words, and gestures
that they use to communicate with others.
Learn more
about the signs of autism by:
Q. Why is autism called a spectrum disorder?
A. Autism is known as a spectrum disorder because it affects each
individual in different ways and to varying degrees. No two people with
autism will have the same exact set of behaviors which can
range from mild to severe.
Q. I suspect my child might have autism. How do I find
out?
A. Autism is just one of the possible
developmental delay. You can check your child's progress in development
by looking at what their behavior should be for their age at one of the
sites listed below. Additionally, you should share your concerns with your child’s pediatrician
and ask to have a
developmental screening for autism.
Q. How is autism diagnosed?
A. Autism diagnoses are based on behavioral assessments and not on medical
tests. To accurately
diagnose autism spectrum disorder the child should have a comprehensive
evaluation by professionals who can address development of language,
behavior, social, and thought processing skills in young children.
Q. Who can diagnose autism?
A. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 388-823-0500 states that
the following professionals are qualified to give diagnosis: board
eligible neurologists, board eligible psychiatrists, licensed
psychologists, and board certified developmental and behavioral
pediatricians.
Q. What is a developmental screening?
A. Professionals use various screening techniques to assess children for
developmental delays in language, social, or behavioral issues.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all
children have a developmental screening at every well-child check-up with
an autism specific screening at 18 months of age. Due to potential
regression of abilities, an additional autism screening is recommended at
24-30 months of age. Visit the following sites to learn more about developmental screening:
Q. How do I know what therapies are right for my child?
A. As our understanding of autism has
progressed, new therapies have been introduced that address different
aspects of this condition. Some therapies are medical, some
psychological, and some behavioral. Your child’s pediatrician can help
determine the right approach for your child and locate appropriate professionals for a given
treatment.
Q. Is
there a low or no-cost way to access more information?
A. The
Autism Outreach Project is a joint venture between the Office of
Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Department of Social and
Health Services and the Northwest Educational Service District 189 in
Anacortes, Washington. There is a lending library open and available to
the public. You may request materials by e-mail, mail, or telephone.
Your cost will be to mail or drive the materials back to the site, but
they have a generous three week time frame to lend on DVDs, videos and
books.
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