FEATURED EXPERT
DR YEE KOK WAH
Medical Director of Dawn Bridge
Consultant of Klinik Yee and Dr Yee Neurocells Resource Centre Dr Yee is a Fellow of the Medical Academy of Paediatric Special Needs, United States. Armed with a doctorate in integrative health management from Southwest University, he is lifelong advocate for evidence-based integrative medical therapies for special needs children.
STEP 1: UNDERSTAND WHAT AUTISM IS, AND WHY IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD IF YOUR CHILD IT
The brain of someone with autism does process information the same way as the brain of someone without the condition. This can give rise to behaviour and communication skills that can be perceived as odd or even offensive by other people.
However, it is important to note that someone with autism is not necessarily stupid or incapable of learning. They just don’t see the world around us or think like we do.
They are still people like every one of us—capable of loving, laughing, and being hurt. They need love and support from their loved ones, to help them understand and live in this world to the best of their abilities.
STEP 2: LOOK FOR POSSIBLE SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE AUTISM
There are 3 different components that child development experts typically use to determine whether a child may have autism: social difficulties, communication difficulties, and behaviours that may not appear normal.
One thing to note is that everyone is unique, and this includes children with autism. One child with autism may display different traits and issues from another child with autism.
Hence, the following are just examples—it is possible that a child with autism will display other traits not described here.
| SOCIAL | COMMUNICATION | BEHAVIOUR |
| Your child doesn’t acknowledge or get along with the people around them. | Your child is prone to yelling or shouting when attempting to communicate. | 40% of children with autism suffer from epileptic seizures. These seizures may not show typical symptoms, and can be hard to detect. |
| Your child avoids eye contact or physical contact–for example, they move away when you try to hug them. | 40% of children with autism has speech disabilities. | 50% of children with autism have difficulties sleeping. 40% of children with autism suffer from anxiety. |
| Your child may not understand social norms and hence ignore them, such as peeing on the spot when the line to the public toilet is long. | Your child may repeat certain sounds, words, and phrases that they have heard (echolalia). | It is also common for children with autism to show hyperactivity or attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and learning difficultes. |
Aside from the issues affecting people with autism that we’ve mentioned earlier, children with autism are also 4 times more likely to suffer from medical problems such as gut issues, sleeping issues, allergies (including asthma), increased infections due to weak immune system, and more.
STEP 3: GET YOUR CHILD PROPERLY DIAGNOSED
Autism needs to be properly diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional such as a doctor or child development specialist.
This is necessary because the healthcare professional will also assess the severity of your child’s autism, in order to work closely with you on planning on how to give your child the best care and support so that they will be able to lead a well-adjusted and fulfilling life to the best of their abilities when they grow older.
90% of autism cases can be detected in children when they turn 2, with a proper diagnosis possible by the time they turn 4. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the earlier the child will receive help to overcome the challenges that come with autism.
Therefore, don’t delay in seeking proper diagnosis for your child should you suspect that they have autism!
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR CHILD IS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM?
Your child is still the same kid you love
Being diagnosed with autism doesn’t change who your child is. You love your child for what they are, and autism will not change that.
In fact, a proper diagnosis can be a blessing, as it means you are now closer to understanding your child. When you understand autism and how your child lives with it every day, you are in a better position to help your child adjust better to everyday life.
Your child does love you
It can be demoralizing when you are putting in so much effort for your child, but they don’t seem to show any signs that they appreciate your efforts or even love you back.
During these moments, recall that your child does not think or behave like other people, so look for other signs of affection that may not be easily discernible. For example, does your child become more relaxed in your presence? Does your child sometimes follow you around the house? These are signs that your child may not have learned how to show their affection like other children, but they certainly feel it!
If things become overwhelming, remember, there are people out there that can help
Join a support group. Support groups, online or in real life, can connect you with other parents of children with autism, to advice and support one another.
Reach out to trusted healthcare professionals. A family doctor can help address your child’s health issues, and a child developmental specialist can help your child with speech development and behavioural adjustment.
Talk to someone about your frustrations. If you find it easier to talk to an unfamiliar face, you can engage the services of a counselor.
Other people may judge you, but don’t let them get to you
While more people have a better understanding of autism these days, there are still people that will judge you harshly for your child’s behaviour. They may say that you are a poor parent, or your child is badly behaved.
Reach out to the parties we’ve mentioned earlier. They can advise you on how to deal with these unkind people.
Avoid unkind and negative people as much as possible. Seek the company of people that understand you and your child, and are willing to offer kindness and support.
References:
- Autism spectrum disorder fact sheet. (n.d.). NIH National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Fact-Sheet
- Hyman SL, Levy SE, Myers SM, AAP COUNCIL ON CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, SECTION ON DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics. 2020;145(1):e20193447
- Voigt, R. G. (2018). Developmental and behavioral pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics.