UNIT 1 How Will I Know It's Autism – CHAPTER 2 – Red Flags
APPENDIX B – Red Flags for the older kids; or, persons possibly with minimized symptoms.
APPENDIX B – Red Flags for the older kids; or, persons possibly with minimized symptoms.
CDC Staff Writer (2020) for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) describes autism as a developmental disorder, which can cause significant social, behavioral, and communication challenges –
- Disrupting successful learning within school settings
- Preventing an ability to live independently
- Creating an inability to be successfully employed
- Causing social isolation or rejection
- Producing stress within families
- Allowing for victimization & bullying
< My Thoughts > "...possibly with minimized symptoms."
Minimized symptoms may just seem like 'odd / quirky behavior', which appears only when the person is stressed, anxious; or, overwhelmed and unprepared for an activity, event, or unexpected situation. Often in school, increased curriculum demands can expose 'autism' or 'autism-like' symptoms. When students exhibit these types of behaviors, they may be offered a 'safe haven' to have permission to go to.
Another way to ‘minimize’ may be by 'masking' symptoms. Masking may include stimming, or talking about a special interest upon which they are highly focused. Interests unique to the individual. They become easily drained and find it difficult to hear things which are inconsistent with their values / reality.
Henry Ford Health Staff (2023) lists common 'masking' behaviors as:
- Mimicking eye contact and facial expressions
- Adjusting speech patterns and volume
- Suppressing stimming behaviors (e.g., rocking, hand flapping)
- Avoiding special interests or obsessions
- Forcefully engaging in small talk and social interactions
They also say that when parents are unsure if their child is ‘masking’, then
They might consider consulting with a psychologist, neurodevelopmental specialist or mental health professional who specializes in ASD.
The CDC states that there is NO current ‘cure’ for autism. But that there is an optimistic future outcome with ‘early intervention’; in the areas of behavior, language, communication, and/or sensory domains. A variety of treatment options are necessary, so that they may be able to function adequately.
< My Thoughts > "... ‘early intervention’..."
Several things come to mind when finding ‘early intervention’. One, is that often referrals and/or insurance company approvals only are from certain 'one-size-fits-all-behavior' intervention therapy.
Another thing is that rushing into a program which may NOT be specifically designed for your child can waste valuable learning time. Or, if the program cannot be transferred to your child's home or school settings, then you will not see the 'promised' progress.
Then, parents need to know when things are no longer working, or when more support / follow-up is needed. Technicians may be ‘experts’ in their field…but, you are an expert in ‘knowing your child’. Also, check on the experience & credential of the actual therapists working with your child. Trust but verify!
REFERENCE: UNIT 1 – CHAPTER 2 – Red Flags, APPENDIX B – Red Flags for the older kids
CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) Staff Writer (2020). Autism A Developmental Disability; Retrieved online from – https://www.cdc.gov/
Henry Ford Health Staff (2023). Autism Masking Is Common. Retrieved online from: Retrieved online from: https://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/04/autism-masking#
End of UNIT 1, CHAPTER 1, APPENDIX B – Red Flags for the older kids.
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Regards,
Sara Luker
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