-
“Is my child’s behaviour typical for their age?”
Parents may wonder if certain behaviours—such as difficulty with eye contact, repetitive movements, or a lack of interest in social interactions—are part of normal development or if they might indicate something more. -
“Why isn’t my child speaking or making eye contact?”
Delays in speech, language, or social communication (like avoiding eye contact) are common concerns that parents may notice early on and wonder if they could be signs of autism. There are norms for children speech development. See language articles for these norms. -
“Why does my child have difficulty with changes in routine or become upset by certain sensory experiences?”
Many children with autism have strong preferences for routines or can be hypersensitive to certain sensory experiences (like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures). These children may cover their ears when they hear loud noises. -
“Why does my child play differently from other children?”
A parent might notice that their child prefers solitary play or engages in repetitive activities (like lining up toys or focusing on a specific object) and might wonder if this is a sign of autism. Typical children usually interact or play parallel. As they play they will be watching what the other children are doing, whereas a child with autism will often play on their own. They don’t take a lot of notice of what other children are doing. -
“How can I tell if my child has autism?”
This question is often asked when parents notice signs that don’t seem to fit typical development. Book in to see a Speech Pathologist and a paediatrician. Jenny Edgar at Perth Speech Therapy is qualified to assess and diagnose a child with autism. -
“When should I seek help for my child’s behaviour?”
If a parent suspects autism but isn’t sure when to seek help, it is strongly recommended that you seek support from a Speech Pathologist and book your child in to see a paediatrician. Early Intervention is BEST! -
“Are there early intervention programs or therapies that can help my child?”
Perth Speech Therapy offers Hanen. This is a group programme for both parent and child, where parents receive coaching. This is considered to be an excellent program both both children and parents. Perth Speech Therapy also offers 1:1 sessions.
