Is your child living with an autism spectrum disorder? We can help.
Whether your child has been diagnosed with autism or they are displaying signs of autism, you must have a pediatrician that can assess your little one, make a diagnosis, and have the expertise to help you and your child manage their autism effectively throughout their childhood. Our Fayetteville, TN, pediatrician Dr. Clifford Seyler has worked with many children with autism spectrum disorders for more than 40 years.
What are the warning signs of autism?
Signs of autism usually show up early on in childhood, typically between 12 and 18 months; however, most children aren’t diagnosed until at least 3 years old. Here are some of the behaviors and signs to look for,
- Has trouble with eye contact
- Does not respond to their name
- Problems understanding nonverbal communication
- Language delays (usually around 15 to 24 months)
- May rock, fidget, or have trouble sitting still
- May have trouble playing with others and making friends
- Doesn’t like being touched or being affectionate
- Delayed speech
- Needs routine and rituals
- May be obsessed over certain toys or activities
Symptoms of autism will vary from child to child. Most autistic children display a combination of behavioral, social, and communicational differences. If you have been noticing these behaviors for a few months it may be worth scheduling an autism evaluation with our Fayetteville, TN, pediatrician.
There are several tools needed to make a full autism diagnosis. When you bring your child into the office a comprehensive autism assessment will include,
- Going through your child’s detailed medical history
- Performing a physical exam
- Spending time observing your child while they play
- Language and hearing evaluations
- An assessment that tests developmental skills such as language, cognition, and motor skills
- Administering an autism-spectrum tool (e.g. Childhood Autism Rating Scale)
The sooner a child is diagnosed with autism the sooner we can provide them with the interventions and individualized care and support they need to help make their school, social, and personal lives a success. Our pediatrician can recommend a variety of programs, interventions, support groups, and more that are geared to teaching your child positive behaviors and coping strategies to help them thrive.
With offices in Tullahoma, Manchester, and Fayetteville, TN, Royal Pediatrics provides specialized care and treatment to children with an autism spectrum disorder. If you have questions about the services we offer that could benefit a child with autism please call us at (931) 297-4400, (931) 455-2674 or (931) 954-5248.