If your child has been showing signs of developmental delays or engaging in behaviors that are not age-appropriate, you might wonder if he or she is on the autism spectrum. Some common signs of autism are lack of eye contact, repetitive movements or noises called “stimming,“ and apparent disinterest in socializing with peers. While these are by no means definite signs of autism, they are common characteristics. To get an official diagnosis, of course, you’ll need to involve a doctor and seek an evaluation.
Why it Matters…
Although Autism spectrum disorder is not a learning disability, it still affects one’s ability to learn. This is one reason it’s important to know if your child does have autism. Many of the typical instructional strategies found in classrooms don’t work for students with autism. Sights, sounds, textures, and any overwhelming stimuli can make it virtually impossible for students with autism to be able to fully attend to a given lesson. This doesn’t mean they can’t learn the material–they most certainly can! It just means their teachers need to know how to differentiate their learning experience to best meet their needs.
…And Why it Doesn’t
When parents receive a diagnosis for their child, it’s never easy. But the truth is your child has not changed. He is still the exact same amazing kid you’ve known his whole life. A diagnosis does not change a person, and it certainly does not define them. Diagnosed students are exactly who you’ve known all along, but now there’s just a name for some of the things that make them uniquely them. So in the grand scheme of your child’s life, it doesn’t matter. In the way you view your relationship with him or her, it doesn’t matter. But when it comes to school, it matters a great deal.
Resources for Parents:
If you’re interested in reframing your mindset about autism, our post on Neurodiversity is a good place to start. We also recommend the following books to help you on your journey to accepting and embracing life with an autistic child:
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