Previous studies have shown that parents recognise signs of autism far earlier in a child’s life than when it is actually diagnosed. Sometimes parents wait to see if the issue they are seeing goes away, or if it’s just a passing developmental phase.
Behaviour is often difficult to pin down as children are in a constant state of rapid development. They might go through months of outbursts, then move on past it. It’s easy to see how and why some children get diagnosed much later. Even professionals will suggest parents monitor and wait until the child is around three years old, although Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.
Some of the early warning signs displayed by the child could be:
- 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.
If the parents are closely monitoring their child, they can build up a pattern that makes it easier for them to suspect their child may have a developmental disorder. Then a 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.
College of Allied Educators offers our Diploma in Learning Disorders Management & Child Psychology programme. This part-time 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.
- Certificate in Child Psychology and Counselling is a 6-months part-time course which will introduces you to the fundamentals of a child’s psychological development
- Certificate in Learning Disorders Management and Language Development is a 6-months part-time course designed specifically to train potential teachers, parents and caregivers to identify, detect and support children with learning and speech difficulties.
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