As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. That’s why you take them to the doctor for their first checkup after they’re born, and why you continue taking them back. Their healthy development is everything to you.
So when you notice something different about your child’s behavior, you want to find out what it is and get them the help they need as soon as possible. That’s where early intervention autism testing comes in.
With one in a hundred children diagnosed with autism, many worried parents have searched for “autism testing in Tampa” at least once. Of course, you’re doing your best as a parent, but it’s easy to second-guess yourself when you don’t have all the facts. Early intervention autism testing can help you get a diagnosis for your child and find out what the next steps will be.
To help parents recognize the signs of autism and understand the benefits of early testing, we’ve put together this handy guide. Read on to learn about autism testing in Tampa, FL.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It can also impact behavior and sensory abilities.
What Are the Signs of Autism?
Children with ASD tend to have difficulty interacting and engaging with others. Often, they show some or all of the following signs:
- Avoid eye contact or other physical contacts
- Struggle to read social cues (such as facial expressions and body language)
- Random stimming
- Unable to start or maintain conversations
- Prefer being alone
- Repetitive behaviors
- Abnormal language development
These are just a few of the common signs that children with ASD display. Your child doesn’t necessarily have ASD because they like to be in their rooms alone. The same goes for any of the other signs.
However, a combination of these behaviors over a long period of time may call for a visit to the doctor. If that’s the case, search for “aba therapy in Tampa”. Only a professional can confirm an autism diagnosis.
Early Intervention Autism: The Benefits of Autism Testing in Tampa, FL
For children, a timely diagnosis of behavioral disorders can help them receive more effective treatment during a critical period in brain development. Autism can be diagnosed as early as 1½ but the average age of diagnosis in the United States is 2-4 years old.
Here are some reasons why it might be beneficial for you to test your child early:
Early Adjustment
Imagine your child struggling in school, wondering why they are not like their classmates, and feeling lost. If you catch ASD early, you can help your child feel more comfortable by adjusting their surroundings to meet their needs.
For example, if your child is nonverbal, you might provide them with a picture communication system to better communicate with those around them.
You Can Plan Your Steps
Parents and guardians can take steps to change a home so it’s more comfortable for their child with ASD. This might include changing the lighting, sound level, and furniture arrangement in a room. The goal is to make sure that your child feels comfortable and safe at home so they can explore and learn.
You might even adjust your behavior to help your child feel more comfortable. For example, you might use a gentle voice and avoid making sudden movements around your child.
Get the Best Psychoeducational Testing Tampa Has to Offer
You probably saw our post for “autism testing in Tampa” or visited our site by searching “therapist Tampa”. Whatever you typed into Google, we’re glad that you found us. We are a team of therapists and psychologists who specialize in working with children who have special needs.
Not only do we have the best psychologist Tampa has to offer, but we also have an amazing team that is passionate about what they do. Call us for a consultation. We can answer any questions you have about our approach and how it can benefit your child both now and in the long run.