Children with Autism
Autism affects how people communicate and relate to other people. It also affects the way they see the world. Children will only be diagnosed with autism once they have had several assessments from professionals. Some people can struggle to come to terms with this
What should I do if a parent asks me if their child has autism?
You can not diagnose their child as you are not qualified to answer the question. You should advise them to go to their GP or health visitor if they expect anything. You must not shrug the question off as an overprotective mother or father but take it seriously and find a way for them to receive the help they need.
You can start gathering observations as these may be requested from professionals
What can I do to identify children who may have autism?
Having a good knowledge of typical child development will help, and therefore you should complete regular observations and assessments of children. This will highlight any area of development that is a possible cause for concern. With children who are showing signs of being on the autistic spectrum may be showing development delays in certain areas such Personal, Social and Emotional Development and higher than average in areas such as motor skills. Knowing this information revert back to previous age bands on your assessments as this will help identify where the child is exactly working at.
It is important to make sure you do not jump to conclusions and you must be aware of a child’s previous experiences. Always consult with parents if you have a concern and with permission you will then be able to contact the appropriate professional