Asd vs "just a delay"

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Forum -> Parenting our children -> Our Challenging Children (gifted, ADHD, sensitive, defiant)

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amother

OP ↓

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:22 pm

how can I know as a parent (without getting a diagnosis) if my child is normal and just delayed or has asd? it seems like asd has such a wide range of symptoms that everyone must have asd to some degree. my 2.5 year old isnt talking yet and she doesnt seem to understand everything either.

CPenzias ↓

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:25 pm

I don't like the term "normal" there's no such thing. Your child is normal for him/ her.
If you're concerned you can get an evaluation (through early intervention) and see if your child qualifies. It's hard to say anything without seeing your child.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:26 pm

CPenzias wrote:

what will seeing the child do? what do you look for? what does asd look like?

amother

Chartreuse

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:28 pm

I think it's too early to know. Definitely get services if your concerned ...

amother

Eggplant

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:33 pm

I used to think the diagnosis is everything.

It's not.

Treat the issue.

Is there a language delay? Get speech therapy. Use a lot of expressive and descriptive language. Check the child's hearing.

Don't sweat the diagnosis.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:34 pm

amother Eggplant wrote:

love this!

bsy

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:40 pm

I would evaluate. A 2.5 year old not understanding warrants intervention

amother

Melon

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:42 pm

There's a reason they don't usually diagnose this young.

amother

↑ OP

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:44 pm

amother Melon wrote:

There's a reason they don't usually diagnose this young.

whats the reason?

amother

Gladiolus

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:49 pm

Doesn't matter and it's a little young to know anyway. However, what you're describing is definitely concerning and warrants evaluation and getting some intervention. If it's ASD or something else you can figure out later. For now, get the ball rolling for evaluations.

↑ CPenzias

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:56 pm

amother OP wrote:

what will seeing the child do? what do you look for? what does asd look like?

If you have a professional they'll know what to look for. I'm a special education teacher but I can't diagnose. I'm not sure what they look for. Probably certain milestones and mannerisms.
In terms of ASD, I'm teaching 8 kids who all have autism and it looks different in each child.
If your child isn't speaking it could just be a speech delay. It doesn't hurt to get evaluated. The sooner you do it, the better in the long run. I think depending on where you live you can get services for free.

amother

Charcoal

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 7:56 pm

It is only beneficial to get early intervention. LOTS of kids are late bloomers. Don’t worry about asd at this point.

In general , something to keep in mind is the key to any diagnosis for psychological disorders or diagnosis that indicate non neurotypical conditions: A problem is only a problem when it truly disrupts a persons daily normal functioning. Many - maybe even most - people have traits that are similar to symptoms of something. Many people feel like they can’t sit too long but don’t actually have ADHD. Many people diet in disordered manners but do not have an actual eating disorder. Many people need to make sure to regulate their emotions but they do not have bipolar disorder. If your child is delayed or showing signs of anything, definitely help the child but don’t jump to assume there will be a diagnosis .

That said, my brother has asd and there were signs. Signs that my mother repeatedly expressed concern to her pediatrician and was brushed off entirely.

To answer your question- in my brother’s case , and I have read that this is common , the dead giveaway about his asd was a complete lack of eye contact and complete disinterest for any social interaction. He would not smile back when someone would smile at him etc. Also, he would do what they call ‘stimming ‘ in a more low key way. He didn’t do anything extreme like exaggerated arm flapping or loud noises, but there were repetitive movements or actions that seemed most likely meaningless.

amother

Gray

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 8:25 pm

amother OP wrote:

I got my kid basic evaluations at age 2 in order to get early intervention. At age 2.5 we did deeper evaluations and ended up getting a diagnosis.

Personally I think a diagnosis is a blessing since it gives you a clearer idea of where to start when it comes to helping your child.

Don’t get stuck in the stigma attached to any label. Always remember that your child walking out of the evaluation/diagnosis is the very same child that walked into that appointment.
We just want to help them be the best they can be.

Regarding ASD yes the symptoms may show up in many but at evaluating they look at frequency and severity too…
A good practitioner won’t just throw a diagnosis at someone who doesn’t meet the criteria.

Good luck!!

chocpretzel

Tue, Jun 18 2024, 8:37 pm

amother Melon wrote:

There's a reason they don't usually diagnose this young.

This is nonsense. A 2.5 is definitely old enough to be evaluated and diagnosed with asd. It’s become standard practice to screen for the possibility of asd at 18 and 24 month visits at your pediatrician through the mchat. Early intervention is key. And if it is asd, the child will qualify for more help which is extremely beneficial for the development of an asd child.

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