It is estimated that around 1 in 100 people globally will have the condition that is known as autism.
This is not an illness or disease; it is an issue with the brain’s normal development as a child grows. Typically, people with autism will experience some form of difficulty in communicating with others and in some social activities.
However, it is vitally important to understand that no two people with autism will display the exact traits or behave in the same way. Autism is considered to be a spectrum condition.
This means that some people with the condition will have milder forms that do not have a great impact on their daily lives, and others may have more severe forms that limit their daily life.
Milder forms of autism that typically result in average or above-average intelligence are commonly referred to as Asperger’s syndrome. If you are a parent whose child has recently been diagnosed with autism, you will likely want to find out more about the condition.
In this article, some key advice will be provided that will allow you to gain a greater understanding of your child’s autism.
Search for comprehensive information and apps
As a first point, it can be ideal to search online for information on autism to give you a better understanding of the condition.
The Autism Society of America is a perfect starting point, as it contains comprehensive information on the condition, along with a wealth of useful resources. Consider searching online for the best apps for autistic children. Many of these apps include a wealth of information that will help you understand the condition and have features such as behavior monitoring and goal setting for your child.
The aim of many of these apps is to give you and your child the skills that will help them to express themselves more effectively, going on to enjoy a greater level of independence as adults.
Some of these apps may even have access to therapy support sections where you can help your child with their speech and behavioral skills.
In short, such apps can be an invaluable source of information and form the basis of setting healthy daily routines for your child.
Speak to your GP
It can also be highly beneficial to speak to your family GP about your child’s autism.
GPs have years of experience in all aspects of healthcare and child development. They may be able to suggest some strategies that can be adopted to improve your child’s development and allow them to function more effectively when in social situations.
It is important to understand that the health and social needs of autistic children can vary considerably.
Speaking to your GP can provide you with reassurance on how to manage the condition and allow you to understand to what degree the child experiences autism.
A GP may also be able to refer you to specialist healthcare teams who can conduct a thorough assessment of your child so that you know the extent of the autism and how to best manage the condition.