The CDC defines autism spectrum disorder as a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The spectrum is sometimes referred to as a “rainbow” for its varied shades of symptoms and characteristics. According to Samantha Walker, an early interventionist at Coastal Therapy Services and mother of a child with autism, that means autistic persons present a wide range of difficulties and deficits that can change throughout their lifetime.
Walker explained that visible signs of autism can begin by as early as 12 months. One symptom at that age is a child’s lack of response to their name. By 14 months, red flags include limited eye contact, delayed speech and language skills or not pointing at objects to show interest. At 18 months, traits could be lacking engagement in pretend play and repetitive behaviors.
For older children and adolescents, a signal could be social challenges such as preferring to be alone or difficulty reading or understanding body language, gestures, facial expressions or others’ feelings. Because of these behavioral characteristics called “social interaction deficits,” children with these delays likely have difficulty making and keeping friendships, Walker said. She added that communication issues such as initiating or maintaining a conversation, taking turns talking, understanding others’ perspectives, reading others’ expressions and engaging in sarcasm can also be symptomatic. Additionally, sensory sensitivity to stimuli like loud noise, light or textures can heighten concern. Further causes for questioning can stem from restricted interests and repetitive behaviors such as hyper-focusing on specific objects such as dinosaurs, trains, shows, numbers, patterns or any other fixations. Some children may also have trouble expressing their emotions and managing “big” triggered reactions such as flapping of the hands or rocking. Walker said these soothing mechanisms can occur when an autistic person’s routine alters because they thrive on the familiar and are either resistant to or have a very difficult time with change.
For parents of children 30 months and older who are no longer being assessed at wellness checkups, Walker suggested keeping a log of symptoms and when they happened. Then speak to a pediatrician and ask for a referral for testing. She recommended the following helpful resources for evaluating, diagnosing and therapies.
Driftwood testing is contracted with Baby Net, an interagency early intervention system for infants through age 3 who either have developmental delays or associated conditions. Once the child is enrolled and set up with a service coordinator or early interventionist, treatment begins. All therapies and testing the child are free of charge.
Dr. Erin Beasley tests children earlier than age 3 and Dr. Renee Lake begins at age 4. They both are private doctors so inquire about insurance coverage and fees.
Developmental pediatricians at the Medical University of South Carolina cut off testing at age 5.
After a child is diagnosed, the parent or guardian might be able to obtain financial help through TEFRA – short for the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act – medical insurance provided under Healthy Connections, South Carolina’s Medicaid program. TEFRA covers doctor and therapy appointments for children with medical disabilities.
The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs offers early intervention for children ages 3 through 6, respite services, at-home support, employment services and individual and family support. The child does need to qualify for this help.
Child Find evaluates children to determine if they are eligible for special education services. If they are, a team of caregivers, along with the parent or guardian, develops an individual education plan.
Public school psychologists also can determine eligibility by running an evaluation. Additional school services include speech therapy, occupational therapy and an autism itinerant, a special education teacher who works directly with autistic children and their teachers. The Family Resource Center will provide a parental advocate at no charge, or parents can hire a private advocate such as Walker.
Lowcountry ASD Foundation offers support groups and other resources.
Children’s Charity Network gives parents grants for certain therapies that aren’t covered by insurance companies.
Speech therapy helps children improve their communication skills such as language comprehension, how to have a conversation and read body language, while occupational therapy teaches children how to perform daily living skills, improve motor skills and address sensory issues. Applied behavior therapy focuses on increasing desired behaviors and reducing challenging behaviors.
And the Medical University of South Carolina’s Project Rex has created social groups specifically for children with autism and their parents to attend.
By Sarah Rose
