As parents, you know your children better than anyone else. You notice their quirks, habits, and special traits. But sometimes, you might ask yourself – “Does my kid have autism?” It’s a good question. Catching autism early and finding help can make a big difference for kids with thinking and learning differences. In this blog post, we’ll go through the signs of autism, share a helpful quiz, and offer guidance on what to do next.
Table of Contents
Autism 101: What You Need to Know
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex brain development condition. It affects 1 in 54 children in the United States. Kids with autism have differences in how they socialize, communicate, and do certain activities. The autism spectrum is big, and every kid with autism is unique. Let’s look at the key areas that might point to autism in neurodivergent kids.
1. Communication Roadblocks
Kids with autism often struggle to talk and understand others. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Speech is delayed or they have a limited vocabulary
- Difficulty understanding or using gestures, facial expressions, or tone of voice
- Repeating words, phrases, or sounds (this is called echolalia)
Goally | Visual Scheduler for Autism
Does your child struggle with getting ready in the morning independently? Goally’s routine app on the best tablet for kids breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps for autistic kids. Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step.
Some kids with autism might be able to speak just fine but still struggle with communication. For example, they might need help using the right words to explain what they want or need.
2. Social Interaction Hurdles
Making friends and socializing can be tough for kids on the autism spectrum. Here are some things to look for:
- Difficulty making or keeping eye contact
- Struggles with understanding or showing emotions
- Not wanting to be around others or getting overwhelmed in social situations
Remember, every child is different. Some kids with autism might want to make friends but not know how. Others might prefer to be alone. It’s all about understanding your child’s unique needs.
3. Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
Neurodivergent kids repeatedly do the same things and have powerful interests. Keep an eye out for:
- Being obsessed with specific things or topics
- Doing the same actions again and again (like hand-flapping or rocking)
- Needing routines to stay the same and getting upset with changes
These behaviors might make your child feel safe and comfortable. But sometimes, they can get in the way of learning and making friends.
Does My Kid Have Autism Quiz: 10 Questions to Guide You
Introducing our “Does My Kid Have Autism Quiz”! Goally has come up with a helpful 10-question quiz to help you learn more about your child’s behaviors. Remember, this quiz isn’t for diagnosing autism. It’s a way to gather info and help you understand your child better.
After taking the quiz, use what you learned to help guide your next steps. And don’t worry – you’re not alone!
Finding Help: What to Do Next for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
Read more: Why is Autism Increasing?
So you’ve taken the “Does My Kid Have Autism Quiz,” and you’re wondering what to do now. Here’s what you can do next:
1. Talk to an Expert
Look for a doctor, therapist, or other professional who knows about autism. They can help you figure out if your child has autism and guide you on what to do next.
2. Look for Support Services
Find local programs and services for kids with thinking and learning differences. Early help programs, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can make a big difference for your child.
3. Connect with Other Parents
It can be tough being a parent of a child with autism. Reach out to other parents who know what you’re going through. Look for local groups or online communities for parents of neurodivergent kids. Talking with others can help you feel supported and less alone.
Goally | For Kids Who Hate Bedtime 😴😡
Celebrating Your Child’s One-of-a-Kind Story
Even though our “Does My Kid Have Autism Quiz” can help you learn more, remember that every child is unique. Love and support your child just as they are. This will help them grow, learn, and overcome challenges. At Goally, we want to help neurodivergent kids and their families on their incredible journey. So, let’s cheer on your child’s amazing story!
This post was originally published on 04/27/2023. It was updated on 06/27/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
