Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Parents Need to Know
Did you know that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder?(1)
If you have a child who is currently or has recently been diagnosed with autism, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused.
You may be wondering what this diagnosis means for your child's future.
What treatment options are available? What can you do to help your child?
Here's what parents need to know about autism spectrum disorder in children.
Did you know that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder?(1)
If you have a child who is currently or has recently been diagnosed with autism, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused.
You may be wondering what this diagnosis means for your child's future.
What treatment options are available? What can you do to help your child?
Here's what parents need to know about autism spectrum disorder in children.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects social skills, communication, and behavior.
It's lifelong and can range from mild to severe—with widely varying symptoms.
What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Diagnoses of ASD are on the rise. What remains unclear is whether we're learning more about autism and are therefore diagnosing more children, if there truly is an increase in autism cases, or a combination of both.(2)
Autism spectrum disorder seems to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors.
Research shows an association between genes and autism, and many of the genes seem to be involved in brain development. It's estimated that genetic factors may contribute to 40-80% of the risk of developing ASD.(3)
While autism is present across all cultures, races, and ethnicities, some groups are more likely to be diagnosed than others.
For example, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls.(4)
It also tends to run in families. If a parent or sibling has ASD, it increases the likelihood that the child will have ASD.(5)
What Are the Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children?
While the symptoms and severity of ASD can vary greatly, there are some commonalities.
The two main categories of autism characteristics include:
· Challenges with social skills and communication
· Restricted and repetitive behaviors
Social and Communication Difficulties
Persistent difficulties with communication and social interaction are hallmarks of autism.
These can manifest in several ways, such as:
· Delayed speech and language skills
· Eye contact avoidance
· Repetitive or unusual use of language
· Poor understanding of social cues
· Challenges understanding others' emotions
· Difficulties expressing their own emotions
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
Children with ASD may display restricted and repetitive behaviors.
This may include:
· Stereotypical body movements, like hand flapping or spinning
· Obsessive interests in certain topics
· Repetitive use of language or phrases
· Inflexible thinking or behaviors
· Need for routine
· Difficulty with new experiences
· Sensory sensitivities
Is your child's favorite food the brand-name organic white cheddar crackers that come in the purple packaging? (You learned your lesson when you tried to switch to the store brand and the meltdown ensued.)
Children with autism often have very specific interests and may become fixated on certain objects or routines.
They may also have sensory sensitivities, such as an aversion to loud noises.
The world to the child with autism can seem like a confusing and unpredictable place. Routine can provide a sense of security.
How Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed?
There is no medical detection for autism and no single test that can diagnose it.(1)
Instead, children are typically diagnosed based on behavior and development. Early signs can be present before 12 months.(6)
It can be reliably diagnosed at age 2, though most children receive a diagnosis after 4.(1)
However, autism can also be diagnosed in the later childhood years. Sometimes, challenges don't arise until children enter school and have difficulty making friends or start showing behavior problems.
Common Co-Morbid Conditions with Autism
Parents should be aware that children with ASD often have other co-occurring conditions.
Children with autism are more likely to have:(7)
· Neurological conditions, such as epilepsy
· Sleep disorders
· Genetic disorders
· Gastrointestinal disorders
· Feeding and eating issues
· Anxiety disorders
· Mood disorders
For instance, research indicates that anxiety is present in almost 40% of children with autism spectrum disorder.(8)
These co-morbid conditions may happen along with ASD or develop later in life. It's important to be aware of them and get help from a doctor or specialist.
What Treatments Are Available for My Child With ASD?
The good news is that there are a number of different treatment options available for children with ASD. The not-so-good news is, that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for autism.
It can be tricky to navigate all the possible treatments, supports, and interventions for your child, so here is a breakdown of some of the more common ones:
Applied behavior analysis (ABA): A behavioral intervention intended to support children with ASD in improving their skills by reinforcing positive behaviors.
Mental health support: Seeing a psychologist, or other mental health specialist can help your child, especially if they have co-morbid conditions like anxiety or depression.
School-based and special education services: School-based professionals can assess your child's needs and may provide an Individual Education Plan. Under an IEP, students with ASD receive specialized instruction and services to support their learning.
Social skills support: A type of therapy that helps children with autism develop the social skills they need to interact with peers.
Speech therapy: A Speech-Language Pathologist can help children with speech and communication skills. Many schools directly employ SLPs.
Medication: Prescribed medications may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, though are typically a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.
How Can I Help My Child with Autism Succeed in School and Life?
If you suspect your child may have autism, the first step is to get an evaluation.
Take time to learn what you can about autism spectrum disorder and the various treatments and interventions available. The more you know, the better you will be able to advocate for your child's needs.
Partnering with your child's teacher will be key to their success in school. And when home, you can help support your child by providing consistent structure and routine.
Encouraging your child's interests and providing opportunities for them to practice social skills with other children their age can also be helpful.
What Can I Do If I'm Struggling as a Parent of a Child With ASD?
Let's face it. Parenting is the toughest job around. You have to pour your heart and soul into it 24/7 with little to no sleep, vacations, or mental breaks. And on top of all that, your kiddo is still upset because you cut their sandwich into four instead of two pieces. No wonder you're struggling!
It’s important to seek out support from other parents, professionals, or autism organizations.
Parent skills training: While sessions with a psychologist can be incredibly helpful, what do you do when the psychologist isn't there? It can be very helpful to gain skills and learn effective ways to respond to challenging behavior.
Support groups: Here you can learn from other parents going through similar challenges. And have a chance to vent, share your wins, and get advice.
Autism-specific parent organizations: These organizations can provide you with information about resources in your area.
Autism education: If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, educate yourself on the condition. The more you know, the better you’ll understand your child and how to provide more effective support at home. Be sure to listen to my podcast, Genius Little Minds, where I dive deeper into the mind of a child with autism, plus answer questions from parents like you.
And don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to get parenting tips and resources delivered straight to your inbox.
References
Mental Illness in Children: Is It Just a Phase or Something More?
When you hear the phrase “mental illness” what comes to mind? If you think about managing your own mental health or the psychological issues other adults in your life are navigating, you’re not alone.
Often mental health—and on the flipside, mental illness—are seen as things only adults have to manage. But the truth is, one in six children will experience a mental health disorder in any given year.1
The number of children and teens battling mental health issues without proper treatment is staggering.
The teenage years are hard enough as it is—on both teens and parents. What with the raging hormones, the increased importance of friends over family, and the pressures to perform well in school—it’s easy to chalk up mood swings or changes in behavior to growing up.
When you hear the phrase “mental illness” what comes to mind? If you think about managing your own mental health or the psychological issues other adults in your life are navigating, you’re not alone.
Often mental health—and on the flipside, mental illness—are seen as things only adults have to manage. But the truth is, one in six children will experience a mental health disorder in any given year.(1)
The number of children and teens battling mental health issues without proper treatment is staggering.
The teenage years are hard enough as it is—on both teens and parents. What with the raging hormones, the increased importance of friends over family, and the pressures to perform well in school—it’s easy to chalk up mood swings or changes in behavior to growing up.
Every day, I see families just like you, struggling to understand the challenges their children are going through. You may be wondering whether your child or adolescent is exhibiting signs of a larger issue or is just “being a child” or just “going through a phase.” Educating yourself on the signs and symptoms of childhood mental health concerns is a helpful first step.
How Do I Know if My Child Has a Disorder?
Half of all mental illnesses begin by the time a child turns 14. And 1 in 10 children between the ages of 5 and 16 meets the criteria for mental illness but only 30% receive appropriate early intervention.(2)
I’m not sharing these statistics to scare you.
I firmly believe that with this knowledge, you can better serve your family.
“Mental illness” or “mental health disorder” can sound really scary. But with proper management and treatment, children with these challenges can overcome them or learn to manage them over time.
Many children with mental health diagnoses go on to live happy, healthy lives when given the appropriate treatment, support, and early interventions. (Doesn’t that make you want to run, not walk, to next available therapy appointment?)
If your family is going through a tough time right now, know that you are not alone. It can be hard on parents and children to navigate an undiagnosed mental health disorder. (And parenting is a really tough job to begin with!)
But as a parent, you play a vital role in getting your child the help they need. If your child is displaying difficulties in school, with friends, or at home, there are signs and symptoms of potential mental health concerns to watch out for. Consider keeping a record or journal so you can describe your child’s behaviors to a professional if and when you decide intervention and treatment is necessary.
4 Common Diagnoses Children Receive: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and ASD
Childhood ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder may present differently than adult diagnoses. It’s important to recognize the signs and understand treatment options to get your child the best care possible.
By being aware of the signs and symptoms, you can be your child’s biggest cheerleader on the road to mental health.
ADHD
Are you tired of repeating the same directions to your child over and over again, only to have them forget what you just said or simply not follow instructions? Is it impossible to get your child out the door on time? And do you get calls from school because they’ve forgotten their homework again?
Often children with ADHD get labeled as naughty or lazy. But the truth is, ADHD is a chronic condition that children need help managing. A mental health diagnosis like ADHD is neither something you (the parent) caused, nor is it your child’s fault.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in children. In the UK it’s estimated that 3.6% of boys and around 1% of girls between the ages of 5 and 15 meet the criteria for ADHD,(3) and in the US, 12% of boys and 5.6% of girls between the ages of 2 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.(4)
Children with ADHD may struggle in school and have trouble making friends. ADHD can impact every area of your child’s life—from social situations to academics to home life.
Thankfully, ADHD, like other mental health concerns, can be managed. With the right treatment, interventions, and support at home, your child can manage the symptoms of their ADHD so they don’t impede performance in school or work or their ability to maintain close relationships.
Understanding your child’s difficulties will help grow your bond and cultivate a climate of support and empathy within the family system.
Anxiety
Does your child have frequent nightmares, headaches, or cry easily and often? Are you always taking them to the doctor, trying to figure out why they feel sick to their stomach all the time? Or does your child want to retract into their shell like a turtle every time a stranger talks to them?
These are all signs your child could suffer from anxiety.
(Feeling anxious just reading this? Stop. Take a deep breath in, and exhale slowly. Unlock your jaw and roll your shoulders back. Feel a bit better? With the right tools, you can become a calming guide for your child and tackle the anxiety together.)
Anxiety disorders are a range of mental health conditions causing intense feelings of worry and fear. It's normal for children to feel worried from time to time, but when a child has an anxiety disorder, their worry and fear is pervasive and difficult to manage without proper guidance.
Many children will develop some kind of anxiety. In the UK, anxiety affects anywhere from 5 to 19% of children and adolescents.(12) And in the US, approximately 7% of children between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with anxiety.(13)
As a parent, it can be difficult to figure out how serious a problem is, especially because children do get afraid from time to time and often struggle to verbalize how they’re feeling. If the anxiety and worry causes your child significant distress and makes it difficult for them to engage in everyday activities then it’s likely they need treatment.
Depression
Is your child no longer interested in doing the things they love the most? Is Eeyore the character they identify with from Winnie the Pooh?
As hard as it may be to believe, children as young as 3 years old can suffer from depression.(14)
But depression in children looks slightly different than depression in adults, which is why it’s so important to be aware of the differences. Some of the symptoms overlap, such as feeling sad for most days or feeling worthless. But in children, depression can also display as temper tantrums or difficulties in school.
If your child is no longer interested in participating in activities they once enjoyed, like sports or music lessons, you may be thinking, “aren’t they just growing up?” But reduced interest in activities and withdrawal from friends could indicate a larger problem, especially if coupled with other symptoms like changes in sleep patterns.
It’s normal for children to get sad or feel down sometimes. But depression is a serious mental illness that, if not treated, can result in devastating consequences. If symptoms last for two weeks or more, it may be time to seek treatment.
Like other mood disorders and mental health issues, getting your child the support they need will help them feel better faster and reduce the risk of developing depression that lasts into adulthood. If your child repeatedly says or thinks negative things about themselves, or tells you they feel sad, hopeless, or helpless, they might be depressed and professional help should be sought out. By having this information in the back of your mind, you’ll be better equipped to help your child when they are struggling with depression. And there’s nothing more satisfying than getting your child on the road to health and seeing them smile again.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Have you spent countless hours listening to your child talk obsessively about a single topic, like the migratory birds of North America? Or does your child just know when you’ve changed the brand of peanut butter on them? Maybe you wish your child would look you in the eye with those baby blues you love so much?
Children with autism spectrum disorder may have very focused interests, struggle to interact with others, display repetitive or restrictive behaviors, or have sensory sensitivities.
Often children with ASD have trouble managing their emotions and have a comorbid, coexisting disorder like anxiety. They can also be wildly fun, creative, interesting and joyful. By understanding your child with autism spectrum disorder, you won’t be putting them in a single box. You’ll be advocating for them so they have the full range of experiences other children have.
It is estimated that 1 in 100 children in the UK have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).(15) Like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts throughout a person’s lifetime, but with the right treatment and interventions, it too can be managed.
As a “spectrum” disorder, ASD can be difficult to identify because the type and severity of symptoms varies so widely.
There are so many resources for children with ASD these days. You don’t have to navigate this (or any diagnosis) alone.
What Should I Do if I Suspect My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder?
There’s no shame in thinking your child has an undiagnosed mental health condition requiring treatment. The most helpful thing you can do as a parent is support your child through their difficulties—not shaming or blaming them (or yourself!) and seek professional help from a licensed therapist or mental health counselor.
Is It Time to Seek Out Treatment for My Child?
Many families struggle with childhood mental health issues. You haven’t failed as a parent if your child has anxiety or depression or other difficulties requiring treatment. If your child displays any of the symptoms outlined above or has other symptoms which cause significant distress and disrupt their ability to engage in everyday activities—then it's likely time to seek treatment.
Children don’t grow out of mental health issues. And symptoms can get worse over time if they aren’t treated.With the right treatment and intervention from a professional, however, the issues your child is facing may not become a life-long mental illness.
Coming to terms with the fact that your child could have a mental health disorder can feel daunting. But seeing your child benefit from treatment—managing their mental health concerns, overcoming their fears, regulating their emotions, and interacting differently with the world—will make it all worthwhile.
It can be overwhelming to navigate these issues alone. The good news is, help is available. I’m Dr. Madeleine Vieira, a licensed clinical child psychologist, and I talk about these 4 mental health diagnoses—ADHD, anxiety, depression and ASD—and how they present in children, in more detail, in the first episode of my podcast, Genius Little Minds.
Listen to the podcast here to get more in-depth information on symptoms and treatment options, and subscribe to stay up to date with the latest in children’s mental health.
Make the space to educate yourself on childhood mental health. You and your family will be glad you did!
References
(2021, August). Children and Young People. Mental Health Foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/c/children-and-young-people
Mental Health Statistics: Children and Young People. Mental Health Foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-children-and-young-people
Holden, S. E., Jenkins-Jones, S., Poole, C. D., Morgan, C. L., Coghill, D., & Currie, C. J. (2013). The prevalence and incidence, resource use and financial costs of treating people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United Kingdom (1998 to 2010). Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health, 7(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/1753-2000-7-34
(2021, September). Data and Statistics About ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
Rucklidge J. J. (2010). Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The Psychiatric clinics of North America, 33(2), 357–373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006
Sayal, K., Prasad, V., Daley, D., Ford, T., & Coghill, D. (2018). ADHD in children and young people: prevalence, care pathways, and service provision. The lancet. Psychiatry, 5(2), 175–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30167-0
Faraone, S. V., Sergeant, J., Gillberg, C., & Biederman, J. (2003). The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: is it an American condition? World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 2(2), 104–113.
(2021, September). Research on ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/research.html
(2021, March). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Causes of ADHD. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-causes
(2021, December). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: ADHD. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/
Oudin, A., Frondelius, K., Haglund, N., Kallen, K., Forsberg, B., Gustafsson, P., & Malmqvist, E. (2019). Prenatal exposure to air pollution as a potential risk factor for autism and ADHD. Environment International, (133), 1-7.
(2020, September). Anxiety disorders in children. NHS. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/anxiety-disorders-in-children
(2021, March). Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
Doheny, K. Depression Affects Kids as Young as 3. Medicine Net. https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=116548
(2021, September). Autism Spectrum Disorder. BMA. https://www.bma.org.uk/what-we-do/population-health/improving-the-health-of-specific-groups/autism-spectrum-disorder