An autism diagnosis is very subjective, meaning there's no blood test that we can do right now to say whether your child has autism or not. So many of the things we look for to diagnose autism are observable behaviours, and the two main categories for that are:

• Delays or impairments in communication and social interaction,
• Restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviour.

Delays or impairments in communication and social interaction:

Early signs of a delay in your child are things like:

• Your child isn't babbling or using as many words as much as other children
• Your child could have a lack of typical gestures –For example uses less pointing to things, doesn’t seem to show you things, many children will lift their arms up when they want mom and dad to pick them up and your child may not do that.
• Your child may not turn towards you or respond when their name is called.
• Often children with autism play by themselves and aren't as interactive with other children.

 Restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviour:

Delays in this area can be really limiting because of the way most of us learn in the environment is by looking around and seeing what's happening, exposing ourselves to new experiences. Often children with autism become quite isolated in their patterns of behavior, meaning they like very routinized things. For example, Toast is presented the same way every day, cut the same way, the same brand. They do not like to drive different routes to get to the playground. They like to go the same way all the time. Playing the same way with toys all the time by lining them up or spinning them.  These behaviours are limiting typical exposure to the environment.

Things a parent can do if they have concerns about their child’s development:

There are screening tools online for you to assess your child's development and risk for autism, such as the M-CHAT-R screening questionnaire (M-CHAT-R™ Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised).

If you have concerns speak with your doctor, they can be a great resource.  As a parent you know your child best. It’s important to note that unfortunately, some doctors may be less alarmed or concerned about your child’s development and you could be told that it's just because your child is young and they’ll grow out of it, it’s “just the terrible twos,” or that “he’s a boy and boys often learn to speak later than girls” -and things are fine.

So as a parent, if there is something in your gut saying there is something wrong with your child continue to advocate, get a second opinion, and make sure that you are exhausting all the options available to you to get the supports and services you need for your child as soon as possible. Autism and developmental delays can also be diagnosed by other professionals, such as psychologists.

Autism can be diagnosed as young as 12 months of age.

Early intervention is critical in this journey. The earlier you get your child diagnosed, the earlier you can get them access to services and that has a dramatic impact on your child's outcomes.

Tips:

1. Observe Early Signs: Look for delays or impairments in communication and social interaction, such as lack of babbling, gestures, or response to their name.
2. Monitor Behavior Patterns: Be aware of restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior, such as a preference for routines and resistance to change.
3. Use Screening Tools: Utilize online screening tools like the M-CHAT-R to assess your child's development and risk for autism.
4. Consult Professionals: Speak with your doctor or other professionals if you have concerns about your child's development.
5. Advocate for Your Child: Trust your instincts and seek second opinions if necessary. Ensure you exhaust all options to get the support and services your child needs.
6. Early Intervention: Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for better outcomes.
7. Monitor and Adapt: Continuously observe your child's behavior and adapt your approach as needed.