Early Screening for Autism Can Help Your Child Thrive: Learn About Your Child’s Development

If a child is struggling, parents and teachers might ask: Is it school adjustment, poor coping skills, bad behavior, or could my child have Autism?

The National Institute of Health defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a neurological and developmental disorder. It is characterized by challenges in social interactions, behavior, communication and learning skills. Today, Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States.

Learning about child development can help parents, caregivers and teachers recognize common behaviors related to their child’s age and when to seek professional help. Early identification of Autism is crucial for effective skill-building and treatment. Autism West, based in Colorado, provides early intervention and identification services.

According to Autism West, the following behaviors or challenges are signs that a child might be facing Autism:

Social communication barriers
Struggles to play well with others, understand social cues and play rules
Repeats the same behavior or action over and over
Rigid or restrictive about foods, routines, or common activities
Sensory overload from common levels of sound, touch, or other stimulation
Challenges with eye contact or facial expressions
Outsized struggles when plans or routines change
Intense focus on specific topics or objects

If a parent or caregiver observes these behaviors in a child, seeking professional help to test their child is important.

According to Autism West Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Alex Himel, “A lot of the testing to diagnose Autism is actually fun. The kids really like it because it looks like playing, and it’s helpful for the parents too to have some answers.”

Autism West offers a comprehensive three-session testing model that draws on parent experience, provides education, and helps providers see the child in a more natural environment. Over a few weeks, experienced providers guide families through these steps.

Parent Background Session
Play Assessment
Parent Debrief
Report & therapy recommendations
Insurance approval
Applied Behavioral Analysis(ABA) assessment and treatment plan, if indicated

“We like to see how the kiddo works in a non-structured environment. What do they like to play with? How do they interact with us and with their environment,” Himel says.

Their testing model seeks to quickly and affordably identify the right diagnosis and treatment strategies. It was designed to address months-long psychological testing waitlists that are often priced out of reach of many families.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver or teacher to a child living with neurodiversity, autism testing can provide answers, new coping skills, and a path to success at school, in friendships, and at home. Pediatric studies consistently show growth and better outcomes for children diagnosed with ASD before age six, but it’s never too late to get tested.

Remember, finding concrete support that can help you to learn about your child’s development will enhance your parental skills, provide a nurturing environment, set realistic expectations about your child’s behaviors and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Thanks to Autism West for collaborating with CO4Kids on this blog.

If your organization focuses on serving children, youth and families in Colorado and is interested in collaborating on future blogs, please email carla.a.rodriguez@state.co.us.