There are certain stages of development that every parent looks for in a young child. There are their first steps, the first time they roll over, and the first time that they utter a word. When it comes to children with autism, there are some additional developmental milestones that parents, caregivers, and therapists bear in mind. While it is important to be mindful that every child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) progresses at their own unique pace—and milestones can look different from child to child—there are a few general developmental steps that stand out. At Monarch House, we see these moments as goals to work towards. Our therapists help them achieve these steps using a positive reinforcement model. Celebrating developmental achievements, no matter how small, is an excellent way to support growth and build confidence. 

Here are nine meaningful milestones we celebrate in the development of children with autism in Mississauga.

1. Responding To Their Name

Some parents have trouble distinguishing if their child has hearing loss or autism at the early stages. Some children will simply not look up when their name is called to get their attention. This can be concerning because responding to your name is a foundational communication skill. It signifies that the child is recognizing their identity and responding to social cues. At Monarch House, we can work on this in our one-on-one services. This milestone is particularly meaningful for parents and caregivers, as it strengthens the bond you have with your child and leads to more future interaction.

2. Using Words Or Alternative Communication

Some children with autism are delayed when it comes to language development. It’s possible, in some cases, to go years without hearing them utter a word. Then, one day, when your child first says “mama” or “dada,” this can be an enormously uplifting moment. The development of expressive communication can be a huge milestone. Whether a child begins to speak, uses sign language, or communicates through assistive devices, it’s a big step. Using words (in any manner) opens doors for children to express their needs, emotions, and ideas, reducing frustration and fostering connections.

3. Expressing Emotions

A flat affect, or a lack of emotion in a child’s presentation, or sometimes an exceedingly emotional display, can be one of the challenges faced by parents of the children with autism. Gaining the ability to express emotions, whether through words, facial expressions, or gestures, is a significant step in emotional development. Expressing emotions can also indicate progress in understanding and managing feelings, which is vital for building relationships.

4. Understanding And Following Simple Instructions

Sometimes children with autism display oppositional behaviours and demand avoidance. Sometimes they simply have not reached the milestone to engage with their parents or caregivers in an instructional capacity. At Monarch House, we can help your child reach this developmental milestone. With our positive reinforcement model we celebrate when your child starts to understand and follow basic instructions like “sit down” or “come here.” This is a sign of growing cognitive abilities and receptive language skills. Observing a child understand and follow simple instructions demonstrates a learned ability to focus and process information.

5. Engaging In Parallel Or Cooperative Play

Does your child pick a corner and play on their own when there are other children about? This is not uncommon amongst children with autism. At Monarch House, we watch for this and work to move them into more social behaviours during playtime. Play is a critical aspect of childhood development. For children with autism, transitioning from solitary play to parallel play (playing alongside others) or cooperative play (playing with others) is a big milestone that supports social and communication skills.

6. Displaying Sensory Regulation

Your child may struggle with lighting, temperature, and texture. Managing sensory sensitivities is a common challenge for children with autism. At Monarch House, we can help them make progress in sensory management and the communication of these sensitivities. Knowing how to properly articulate and navigate discomfort is a skill that we can work on. Having the ability to identify and plan for certain textures, sounds, or environments can significantly improve your child’s daily life and comfort.

7. Developing Self-Help Skills

It’s a big deal when your child can get themselves ready for school all on their own. Milestones like dressing independently, using utensils, or toilet training are not only practical but also boost a child’s confidence and autonomy. These accomplishments often involve overcoming sensory barriers and challenges with fine motor skills.

8. Imitating Actions Or Sounds

Monkey see, monkey do. You might find your child using the same expressions as you, or going through the motions of a recent action that you did. Imitation is a fundamental learning tool for children. When a child begins to mimic actions, sounds, or words, it reflects growth in social awareness and learning through observation. This is often a precursor to more advanced communication and play skills.

9. Forming Meaningful Relationships

Some children with autism can be seen as aloof and standoffish. With patience and encouragement, we can slowly move them towards being more comfortable in social scenarios. Building and maintaining relationships with family members, peers, or teachers is a heartwarming milestone. It reflects progress in social-emotional development and the ability to connect meaningfully with others.

It can be exciting when your child with autism responds to their name for the first time or when they say their first word. It’s uplifting when they start to keep eye contact and heartwarming when they make their first friend. Special events like this don’t usually happen at the same pace as other children, and that’s okay. A little patience and encouragement can go a long way. This is why we believe in positive reinforcement to reach these milestones. Each step in a child’s development journey is worth celebrating. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff or occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help. Recognizing these achievements not only highlights the child’s progress but also reinforces an upbeat and supportive environment. By focusing on their strengths and celebrating their unique journey, we empower children with autism in Mississauga to continue growing and thriving.