INTRODUCTION
About the First Concern to Action Tool Kit
It can be scary to think there might be something different going on with your child’s development, but you are not alone. This tool kit is full of specific resources and tools to help guide you on the journey from your first concern to action. Not all concerns result in a diagnosis of autism or a specific developmental disability, but being proactive can make a world of difference.
If you have a concern about how your child is communicating, interacting or behaving, you are probably wondering what to do next.
The First Concern to Action Tool Kit was developed to help you sort that out by providing families of children under the age of five with:
- An overview of early childhood development;
- Guidance on what to do if you have a concern about your child’s development;
- Information about obtaining an evaluation for your child’s development and treatment options, if needed.
It is important to remember that you know your child best. If you are concerned at any time, voice it!
Here are four things to do right now:
1. Don’t wait.
If you ever have concerns, talk to your health care provider. A health care provider can be a pediatrician, family doctor, community health care worker, specialist or a trusted, knowledgeable professional in your community.
2. Be prepared for your conversation with your health care provider.
See what other children the same age are doing and note how your child is different. Take notes about your child’s development based on the milestones included in this kit.
3. Start the intervention process right away.
Your child can receive a free evaluation without a formal diagnosis by contacting Early Intervention services through your state. You can find the contact information on the Autism Speaks website.
4. Contact the Autism Speaks Autism Response Team for assistance.
Call: 1-888-288-4762
(In Spanish: 1-888-772-9050)
Email: familyservices@
autismspeaks.org
Text: ART to 30644
About Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today.
We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.
Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.
Indicators of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.
Earlier diagnoses and interventions have been shown to improve outcomes for children with autism. That is why it is so important to learn about child development, so that you are able to recognize areas of concern if they arise and act on them right away.
