Exploring The Benefits Of Daycare

Monitoring Your Child Through Important Developmental Milestones

3 April 2023 by Miriam Shelton

Autism is a disorder that is related to brain development. It impacts how an individual perceives others or interacts with them. If your child shows limited interest and engages in repetitive behavior, you may wonder if your child is on the autism spectrum. However, it's imperative to receive an official diagnosis. 

Warning Signs That Your Child Needs Developmental Monitoring

Several warning signs suggest you might want your child to receive an official diagnosis. You might discover they do not smile back when you smile at them. They might not wave back when you wave to them.

Common Activities

They might have repetitive interests like lining up their toys or engaging in soothing activities. They might show a lack of interest in people or might feel afraid or nervous around them. They might not say more than one or two words at a time. 

Normal Childhood Development

Children develop at their speed, and it's important not to assume that your child has autism until you have discussed your concerns with your child's doctor. Also, you will want your child diagnosed because the symptoms of autism can also be related to other developmental disorders. It is possible to screen for this disorder in toddlers.

The Importance of Developmental Monitoring

Your doctor might determine that your child needs further monitoring for signs of autism. For children who might have autism, developmental monitoring is crucial. You and your family must watch how your child grows and whether they meet all developmental milestones. 

Meeting Milestones

The milestones measure the skills your child is developing, whether your child is showing interest in games, playtime, and other children, and whether your child is learning. While these are usually seen as standard parts of childhood, they also play an essential role in a child's development.

Meeting With Your Child's Doctor

When you visit your doctor, they will ask questions to help gauge your child's development. They will ask about your family history and whether family members have suffered from certain developmental disorders such as ADHD or ASD. This will help the doctor narrow down the possible list to determine the best way to help your child. 

Follow-Up Appointments

If your doctor is concerned, they might recommend that you return every couple of months to track your child's development. They can also advise you on how to help your child best meet developmental milestones and receive the assistance they need.

Contact a local doctor to learn more about the necessary steps for an autism diagnosis. 

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