What is Autism? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of related brain-based disorders that affect a child’s behavior, social and communication skills. Autism Spectrum Disorders are lifelong conditions, but children with ASD can progress developmentally and learn new skills. The sooner autism is identified, the sooner an intervention program can start. Each child with autism has different needs. What works for one child may not work for another.
Signs of ASD
According to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with ASDs may have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASDs also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. ASDs begin during early childhood and last throughout a person's life.
A child or adult with an ASD might:
- not play "pretend" games (like pretending to "feed" a doll)
- not point at objects to show interest (like pointing at an airplane flying over)
- not look at objects when another person points at them
- have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all
- avoid eye contact and want to be alone
- have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
- prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to
- appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds
- be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them
- repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia)
- have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions
- repeat actions over and over again
- have trouble adapting when a routine changes
- have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound
- lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were once using)
What can I do if I think my child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
If you or your doctor think there could be a problem, ask for a referral to see a developmental pediatrician or other specialist. You can also contact early intervention services for an evaluation for children under 5 by calling your local
school district’s Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program or
Dakota County Early Intervention Services . If your child is over 5, contact your
school district’s Special Education Director.
Should my family seek an educational or medical evaluation or both?
An educational evaluation is necessary to determine eligibility for school district services. It is not necessary to have a medical diagnosis to receive ECSE and related early intervention services or K-12 Special Education services. Your child only needs to meet
Minnesota educational criteria for services. A medical evaluation may be necessary to receive services through medical insurance or to access other funding resources such as
Medical Assistance or
TEFRA,
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or
Dakota County Case Management.
My child’s physician said we should “wait and see.” I am still concerned. What should I do? The
First Signs website provides excellent tips for parents who may be having a difficult time sharing concerns about their child. First Signs encourages parents to be prepared, express concerns clearly, ask questions, and follow up.
My child has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. What services are available? The system of services for children with autism can best be understood as four separate but interrelated pathways:
Educational,
Medical,
County and
Community.
- Educational
- Educational services for children with ASD are accessed through your local school district’s special education program.
- There is no cost for special education evaluation or services.
- For children under 5, the Early Childhood Special Education program is the first step.
- For children over 5, contact the Special Education Director in your child’s school district.
- Once a child is determined eligible for special education, an individualized plan of services is developed by the child’s parents/guardians and a group of professionals.
- The team may include a special education teacher, a speech/language clinician, an occupational or physical therapist, an autism specialist, and other service providers depending on the child’s needs. The team may also include other providers such as Public Health Nurses or County Social Workers.
- For older students, the Dakota County Community Transition Interagency Committee (CITC) is a resource for assisting youth with disabilities transition into adulthood.
- The Minnesota Department of Education oversees special education services.
- Medical
- Although every child is unique, most children benefit from a combination of treatments provided in special education, at home and in other environments.
- There are many types of interventions for children who have autism. It is important to keep in mind that there is no single treatment for autism and the recommendations you receive are just that – recommendations.
- Work with your child’s medical and educational team to determine what is best for your child. The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and Autism Speaks are two places to start to learn about what is available.
- County Services
- Community Resources and Supports
- Many families report that the most important step they take is to develop a strong support system. This support may come in many forms, including organized networking groups and advocacy organizations.
- Many school districts sponsor networking groups for parents of children with an ASD. Check with your school district team to see if one is available or if you can help start one.
- Parents often find information provided by books, journals, and websites a helpful way to learn about autism and treatment options - check the Quick Links in the upper right-hand corner for resources.