Awareness for Early Autism Diagnosis (1-3 Years)

Springtime is here! The trees are looking a little more lively, the ginormous winter coat is now only needed for maybe a few days of the week, and you feel like you can finally take a breath. You did it. Summer is so close, and you survived the bitter winter that you thought would never end.

Not only do we get to become reenergized by the bliss of springtime, but we are also celebrating National Occupational Therapy Month and Autism Awareness Month. Each of which holds a special place in many many people's hearts. 

As a new mama, you can question a lot of things about your baby's health. I want to assure you that that is completely normal.

But, we do want to bring awareness to something that is close to our heart. It is Autism Awareness Month and we want to do just that. We don’t think it’s a coincidence this month coincide with OT Month!

Children all meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental Milestones are a guide to watch for flags developmental delays. Some of these milestones are important to watch for as a sign as to whether a child may or may not have Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can sometimes be diagnosed in children before they are 2 years of age. Some children with ASD whose development seems typical up to that point begin to regress just before or sometime during age 2 years.”

With early intervention, some children with autism make so much progress that they are no longer on the autism spectrum when they are older. Many of the children who later go off the spectrum have some things in common:3

Diagnosis and treatment at younger ages

A higher intelligence quotient (IQ, a measure of thinking ability) than average for a child with autism

Better language and motor skills

It can be exhausting worrying if your child is developing well, don’t overwhelm yourself! Occupational Therapists, Doctors, and others are experts and they want to help — but you are the ultimate expert on your baby and you know what is best. I encourage you, if you are searching for answers, always try one more thing. You may need resources and help and that is okay! Find someone that will not only attempt to help your child, but value them. Those supports are out there!

Lastly, to the parent who has been asking themselves these questions, here’s a big permission slip to rest. You are carrying everything so well. Put it down, rest, breathe, the therapies will still be there for you and your baby at the end of the day. Focus on the now. Enjoy your beautiful baby and this beautiful life you have created!

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatments/early-intervention