Child Autism Questions To Ask Your Doctor

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 150 American children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making it the second most common developmental disability. (Mental retardation is first.)

As awareness about ASD increases, parents are learning how to recognize symptoms of the disorder in their own children. But due to the complex nature of autism, it's still difficult even for physicians and clinicians to diagnose.

Trust Your Gut

Pam Butler is an occupational therapist registered/licensed (OTR/L) who works with autistic children. Butler believes that when it comes to autism, nothing is a better indicator than a parent's innate sense - mother's intuition, if you will - that "something is not right." It's up to you as a parent to head to your pediatrician and ask the right questions. You know your child better than anyone, and most physicians will rely on your input.

Even so, warns Butler, "Some physicians are gun-shy about diagnosing autism. They may downplay a parent's concern, or even be dismissive." That's what happened to Rebekah Holenchik.

Holenchik had noticed that her son, Joseph, wasn't on par with his siblings and peers. When she brought her concerns to Joseph's pediatrician, the doctor casually responded that she was just part of a modern trend. "He told me that autism is the new ADD," says Holenchik, "and that I shouldn't to worry about it." Fortunately, Holenchik trusted her gut and immediately made an appointment with a psychologist. On his eighth birthday, Joseph was diagnosed with Asberger's Disorder, a variant of autism.

Amy Corolla and Catherine Reisman are Philadelphia attorneys who established a special needs practice at their law firm to defend the rights of families of special needs children. They are also the parents of children with autism. "If parents suspect autism," says Corolla, "they should get their child to a developmental pediatrician who is trained to diagnose these types of disabilities. They often have long waiting lists - even up to one year - and parents should get their child on these waiting lists. A developmental pediatrician will be able to help parents determine what steps to take regarding treatment if their child does, in fact, have autism."

Reisman agrees and tells parents to be upfront about their child's problems. "You do not want to play up your child's wonderful abilities," says Reisman. "Parents often want to play down the tough parts and talk about what makes them proud, but this is really a time to focus on all the things your child needs help with."

So how can you open up a discussion about autism with your child's doctor? Here are some starting points:
Developmental issues

Every child develops on his or her own timetable, but it's still important to be aware of behavioral milestones. Your child's physician should explain what your child should be able to do at a given age.

Ask yourself:
* Is my child "on par" with children of the same age - sitting up, walking, talking?
* Is my child learning basic life skills, such as grooming, dressing, and toilet training?
* Does my child have trouble walking or running without falling down or bumping into people?

Ask your doctor: Is my child doing what he should be for a child his age?
Sensory issues

Many children with autism have sensory issues and are overly sensitive to light, sound, or touch.

Ask yourself:
* Does my child have a low threshold for loud sounds or bright lights?
* Is my child averse to being washed or having his teeth brushed?
* Is my child a picky eater? Does she seem to struggle with the textures of certain foods?
* Does my child need to be wrapped up in blankets, held tightly, or massaged deeply to calm down?

Ask your doctor: Should I be worried about my child's sensitivity to _______?
Should I be concerned about my child's unexplained need for _____?

Social Skills:
One of the more recognizable symptoms of autism is the impaired ability to communicate or interact with other people.

Ask yourself:
* Does my child fail to respond to her name or appear to not hear me sometimes?
* Does my child seem unaware of others' feelings?
* Does my child prefer playing alone?
* Does my child have poor eye contact?
* Is my child unable to start a conversation or keep one going?

Ask your doctor: How can I tell if my child's ability or inability to socialize is a personality trait or something more?

Quirky Behaviors:
Some experts describe the unexplained behaviors of children on the spectrum as "quirkiness."

Ask yourself:
* Does my child have rituals or routines that he refuses to alter?
* Does my child feel the need to move constantly?
* Does my child perform repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning, or hand-flapping?

Ask your doctor: Is it "normal" for my child to behave this way?

Language:
Every child learns to talk at a different age, but there are certain language signs that indicate autistic tendencies.

Ask yourself:

* Is my child vocalizing, verbalizing, talking?
* If my child is speaking, does she seem to have only a very literal understanding of language?
* Has my child forgotten words or sentences he used to be able to say?
* Does my child speak with an unusual rhythm or tone (like a robot voice)?
* Does my child repeat phrases or words without any understanding of what they mean?

Ask your doctor: Could my child's poor language skills indicate autism rather than a physiological problem?

There is no known cure for autism, but there is treatment. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more he or she can be helped. Talk to your child's health care provider. Be direct. Be assertive. Be an advocate for your child.

Have you discussed the warning signs of Autism with your pediatrician?