It’s not simple or easy to determine if a child has a learning disability. Many otherwise normal behaviours can sometimes be misidentified for being a learning disability. However, parents will actually predict their child’s later autism spectrum disorder long before any professional diagnosis. According to a 2009 research (J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2009 Oct; 30(5): 367–375.),
…Studies indicate that parents recognize signs of autism far earlier than it is diagnosed.
Parents start noticing warning signs from as young as 6 months to 2 years old. While some parents may put off having their child properly diagnosed, thinking it will go away on its own, it’s best to listen to get the child diagnosed early.
“One in 160 children in Singapore is diagnosed with Autism.”
There are a range of early warning signs that children may display:
- The child does not respond to touch, cuddling or to being picked up.
- The child may learn to babble and gesture later than normal.
- The child may lose the ability to babble and gesture.
- The child may not react to external stimuli or respond to their name.
Autism has a wide spectrum of impairments in communication, social interactions and behaviours. Disorder may range from mild to severe, whereby the support needed for the child differs depending on the severity.
- Language
Children with autism develop at a different rate and they do not necessarily show the same language development as others. They may display an intense focus on limited areas of interest. For example, a three-month old baby who is distracted by a trail of ants is less likely to tune into a peek-a-boo game with her parents. As this continues, the child may have trouble picking up words or language that are being taught by the parents. This will have an impact on the child’s vocabulary.
- Social behaviours
Social participation can pose a big challenge for any developing children. They may not necessarily make friends at a young age but will have one over time. However, children with autism will struggle socially even as they get older. Their classmates and peers will tend to avoid befriending them, as the child may lack social etiquette and often take little interests in others around them. This may cause them to appear unfriendly and may offend others due to their behaviours.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed as early as 18 months but professionals will suggest parents monitor and wait until age 3. The diagnosis at around 3 years old will yield a more accurate conclusion and still allows enough time for early intervention. Children who benefit from diagnosis and early intervention have the best chance for development and integration into society.
This ability to monitor, detect, and diagnose early are crucial in ensuring children get the early help they may require.
Join us at College of Allied Educators to see how you can develop an understanding of the different types of exceptional children, their needs, and the different special needs programmes and specialties that are available to you, for them.
CAE’s 15-months Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education (PGDISE) is a part-time programme is designed specifically to train potential candidates to be effective educators to children with special needs. At a graduate level, the Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education focuses on developing and enhancing candidates’ experiential knowledge and skills professionally through a holistic approach.
CAE’s 12-months Advanced Diploma in Special Education course trains educators and parents in the identification, diagnosis and treatment of these needs and the basic principles and practices of effective teaching and learning. The programme is highly practice-oriented to ensure that what you learn in class can be applied to children with special needs under your charge.
CAE’s Diploma in Learning Disorders Management & Child Psychology programme is designed specifically to train potential teachers, parents and caregivers to identify, detect and support children with special needs, such as Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia.
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