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Worried your child has autism spectrum disorder: what to do

By Raising Children Network
 
 

You know your child best. If you’re worried that she might have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), don’t be afraid to act. This article outlines the first steps you can take to seek help.

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1. Make an appointment

If you suspect your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it’s best to act quickly and make an appointment with a professional. For example, you could talk to your child’s maternal and child health nurse, your general practitioner or a paediatrician. If the paediatrician does not have any concerns about your child, but you’re still worried, feel free to seek a second opinion.

2. Learn about services

Right away, even while you wait for an appointment, it’s good to start learning about ASD and the different services available. Talk to other parents of a child with ASD by joining forums or parent groups, read up, start researching services in your area – there are lots of ways to begin.

Read more about the services environment.

3. Get a diagnosis

Have your child assessed (and get an assessment report) for your child as early as you can. A thorough assessment is important for an accurate diagnosis.  It helps to think of assessment as a benchmark  - you can use it to measure your child's progress later when using interventions.

For a thorough assessment and a specific ASD diagnosis, schedule an appointment with a professional trained in diagnosing ASD, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or paediatrician (you might need a referral from your GP).

Read more about getting a diagnosis or use our Autism Services Pathfnder to help with your journey into the services system.

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4. Start early intervention

The sooner a child receives early intervention services, the more effective these services are likely to be. Experts recommend early intervention for all children with autism – the earlier the better.

Read more about types of intervention or see our Parent Guide to Therapies.

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For more information on ASD and early intervention options, you could attend a free Early Days workshop in your area. You could also check out RCN’s forum for parents who attend Early Days workshops.

5. Read, talk, ask questions

The more you find out about the services environment and your options the better. Read about choosing interventions and how they are tested.

 
 
 
  • Last updated10-01-2009
  • Last reviewed28-10-2010
  • Acknowledgements

    Article developed in collaboration with Cheryl Dissanayake and Cherie Green, The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University.

References

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (2008). Autism – Caring for children with autism spectrum disorders: A resource toolkit for clinicians. Elk Grove Village, IL: Author.

    Autism Speaks (n.d.). First 100 days kit:A tool kit to assist families in getting the critical information they need in the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis. Retrieved November 2008, from http://www.autismspeaks.org/docs/family_services_docs/100_day_kit.pdf.

    Dawson, G. (2008). Early behavioral intervention, brain plasticity, and the prevention of autism spectrum disorder. Development and Psychopathology, 20, 775-803.

    Geddes, L. (2008, May 24). Earlier the better for autism therapy? New Scientist, 2657, 6-7.

    O’Brien, M. & Daggett, J.A. (2006). Beyond the autism diagnosis: A professional’s guide to helping families. Baltimore, Paul H. Brookes.

    O’Reilly, B. & Smith, S. (2008). Australian autism handbook: The essential resource guide for autism spectrum disorders. Edgecliff, NSW: Jane Curry Publishing.

    Siegel, B. (2008). Getting the best for your child with autism: An expert’s guide to treatment. New York: Guilford.