Life is a bit different for people with Autism. It doesn’t need to be bad, though. You want to equip your child with every necessary tool and coping mechanism to ensure their life is as happy, healthy, and fulfilling as anyone else’s. This is why early intervention is key.
In order to get a better idea as to whether or not your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder, you need to know what common signs and symptoms to be looking for. This autism checklist for parents makes it all a bit more simple to understand.
Table of Contents
- Autism Checklist for Parents to Follow
- Social Signs of Autism
- Repetitive Behaviors
- How to Improve Your Child’s Development
Autism Checklist for Parents to Follow
The reason it is now referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder instead of Autism is because there are people with a wide range of limitations and abilities who are classified within this condition. That being said, the two key indicators that a child struggles with autism are social communication and social interaction challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviors. These are the two main signs of Autism that other symptoms fall underneath.
Social Signs of Autism
Many children who are found to be on the Autism Spectrum Disorder may not understand or appropriately use:
- Spoken language
- Gestures
- Body language
- Eye contact
- Facial expressions
- Tone of voice
- Expressions not meant to be taken literally
A child showing signs of being on the spectrum may also struggle with expressing emotions, understanding other people’s emotions, expressing their own emotions, taking turns in a conversation, and even gauging appropriate personal space. It is quite common to feel overwhelmed in social situations.
Repetitive Behaviors
It isn’t only social. While restrictive and repetitive behaviors vary greatly across the different ASD types, they often include:
- Staring at lights or spinning objects
- Repetitive body movements
- Repetitive motions with objects
- Ritualistic behaviors
- Narrow or extreme interests in specific topics
- Need for a strict routine
- Resistance to change
If your child needs the same daily schedule, meal menu, clothes, and route to school in order to have a successful day, this is an indicator he or she may be on the spectrum.
How to Improve Your Child’s Development
The team at BM Behavioral Center is here to answer questions you have after reading this guide. Autism’s severity scale reflects how much support your child needs for daily function. Whatever the results are, we are prepared to offer your child the services he or she needs in order to truly thrive.
Exactly what your child should be capable of doing and what is a warning sign is heavily dependent on how they are, all the way down to the specific months of age. This is why it is a bit more complex than a simple list can get into.
After looking at this autism checklist for parents, you want to know the next steps. We will not only help with understanding any developmental issues your child may have, but also give both them and you the tools needed in order to overcome many of the challenges associated with being Autistic. This is known as ABA therapy. Reach out to us today to learn more.