Being proactive for your kids’ health and supporting them every step of the way early on can help optimize outcomes for your kid with autism spectrum disorder amongst their health and development.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability. This means it is a brain-based condition,” says Julia S. Anixt, M.D., Jennifer D. Smith, PsyD and Stephanie Weber, PsyD, program and training directors at The Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND), Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. “Although the exact cause of autism is not known, we know that genetics play an important role. Autism characteristics are not identified until about 12 -18 months of age when early language and social milestones are not met as expected.“
Understanding what is going on with your child with ASD will help when finding ways to support them. In fact, researchers have found more than 100 genes to be strongly associated with autism, many of these relating to communication between cells in the brain (neurons) or control the expression of other genes that impact the way neurons function. Therefore, children with ASD may have sensitivities to stimuli in the environment, such as sounds, smells or lights that can be upsetting, according to Anixt, Smith and Weber.
Supporting Your Child with ASD
Every child with ASD is unique, and so are their specific goals. However, in general, support your child to develop his communication skills in ways that work best for him — whether that’s verbally, with sign language, or using augmentative communication approaches (such as pictures or a communication device).
Be Proactive
Being proactive means taking care of you and your family’s mental health and well-being, (including older and younger siblings). The saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup” has meaning for all. There are an abundance of family support organizations out there to gain information from or find solidarity in others with similar experiences, say Anixt, Smith and Weber.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati
autismcincy.org
Autism and We
autismandwe.org
Our Tribe Cincy
ourtribecincy.com
OhioSibs
ohiosibs.org
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Siblings with a Mission, and SibShops
cincinnatichildrens.org
Ohio Family to Family Health Information Center
ohiof2f.org
Ohio Parent to Parent Network
ohiof2f.org/ohiop2p
Big Blue Canopy
bigbluecanopy.com
KTL therapy
ktltherapy.com
ABC Pediatric Therapy
abcpediatrictherapy.com
Puzzle Pieces – A Sensory Sensation
puzzlepiecesohio.com
First Steps in Northern Kentucky
chfs.ky.gov/agencies/ccshcn/Pages/poe.aspx
Help Me Grow Cincinnati
helpmegrow.org
Sea of Smiles
seaofsmilesdds.com
Union Pediatric Dentistry
grandslamsmiles.com
Developmental Disabilities Services in Ohio counties and Kentucky
dodd.ohio.gov and chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dbhdid/Pages/default.aspx