Early Signs of Autism: My Personal Journey and What to Look Out For

Hello Spectrum family!

Today, I want to share a personal story about recognizing the early signs of autism in my first-born son. Understanding these signs can be crucial for getting the right support and interventions. I hope my experience can offer some insights and support for other parents on a similar path.

Early Signs

Before we could leave the hospital, the staff were worried about how my first son would scream, turn bright red, and shake. They thought he might have blood sugar issues, but the tests came back normal. Fast forward a few months, and bedtime was becoming a real struggle. My baby would scream, shake, turn bright red, and get so upset he'd vomit. Somehow, I knew something was different. In those moments, it was like he wouldn't look at us—he'd look right through us, and there was no calming him down.

By age 1, he knew his colors, shapes, alphabets, and even started counting backward. Academically, it was amazing, but when it came to emotional regulation or self-soothing, those skills were still non-existent. I also noticed he wasn't meeting typical milestones, and his right hand was much weaker than the left where he couldn't hold onto things for long.

I reached out to our pediatrician, who had seen him since birth, but she brushed off my concerns, saying kids develop differently. A few months later, he stopped responding to his name. Again, my concerns were dismissed. Finally, at his 2-year checkup, I refused to be brushed off anymore. We got a referral to Phoenix Children's Developmental Pediatrics for an autism evaluation.

After a year on their waiting list (which we were told would be 2 years), we finally got the call. Due to COVID, our first meeting was virtual. They observed my son at home and asked tons of questions. After some research and our second appointment, it was clear we were in for the ride of a lifetime.

At our next appointment, the doctor confirmed what I already knew in my heart: my perfect baby boy was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

If you're noticing similar signs in your child, trust your instincts. Early signs can include not responding to their name, difficulty with emotional regulation, or not meeting developmental milestones. It can be frustrating when your concerns are dismissed, but persist in seeking answers. Trust your intuition and advocate for your child.

Seeking a Diagnosis

After noticing the early signs and feeling dismissed by our pediatrician, I persisted until we got a referral to a developmental pediatrician. We waited a year for an appointment, during which we researched and prepared for the journey ahead.

The process of seeking a diagnosis can be long and daunting, especially with waiting lists and potential delays. It's important to keep detailed notes of your child's behaviors and developmental milestones, as these will be helpful during evaluations. Patience and persistence are key, and remember, you're not alone in this journey.

Interventions and Support

Once diagnosed, we enrolled my son in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, complemented by speech and occupational therapy to address his specific needs.

Early intervention can make a significant difference. Explore various therapy options like ABA, speech, and occupational therapy to find what works best for your child. Here are some other types of therapies that can be beneficial:

• Social Skills Therapy: Helps children learn how to interact appropriately with peers.

• Physical Therapy: Assists in improving motor skills and coordination.

• Sensory Integration Therapy: Addresses sensory processing issues.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps with anxiety and emotional regulation.

• Play Therapy: Uses play to help children express their feelings and develop social skills.

Connecting with other parents and support groups can also provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Challenges and Successes

Supporting a child with autism comes with its own set of challenges, like finding the right therapies, navigating various interventions, and ensuring social interactions are not lacking. Seeing his progress firsthand has been and still is incredibly rewarding.

One of our biggest milestones is seeing my son, now 6, improve his emotional regulation and utilize the coping skills he has gained through consistent therapy. Watching him grasp academic concepts quickly and progress socially has been heartwarming.

Every child's journey is unique, and there will be ups and downs. Celebrate the small victories and be patient with the challenges. Regular therapy and consistent routines can help your child develop crucial skills. Remember, progress can be slow, but each step forward is significant.

Recommended Books on Autism

If you're looking for more information and support, here are some excellent books about autism:

• "The Reason I Jump" by Naoki Higashida: A memoir written by a 13-year-old boy with autism, offering insights into the mind of someone on the spectrum.

• "Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism" by Dr. Barry Prizant: This book provides a compassionate perspective on understanding autism and supporting those with the condition.

• "The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum" by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek: Temple Grandin, a well-known advocate with autism, explores how the brain works in people with autism.

• "An Early Start for Your Child with Autism" by Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie A. Vismara: A guide for parents with young children on the spectrum, offering practical strategies for early intervention.

• "Overcoming Autism: Finding the Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child's Life" by Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik: A comprehensive resource on therapies and strategies for helping children with autism.

I’d love to hear about your experiences too!

• What were the first signs you noticed in your child?

• How did you navigate the process of seeking a diagnosis?

• What interventions or support have been most helpful for your child?

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Sharing your experiences can be incredibly valuable for other parents who may be on a similar journey. Let's support each other and share our stories in the comments below.