A psychologist or psychiatrist can give a formal diagnosis of autism based on signs including difficulty understanding social cues and humor; taking comments literally; challenges in communicating, developing relationships, maintaining eye contact, and starting and maintaining conversations; social anxiety; intense interest in one or two topics; engaging in repetitive actions; hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sound, light, and other stimuli; difficulty completing tasks, multitasking, staying organized, and managing emotions; detailed planning and routine; repeating phrases from media; a steady tone when talking; and masking signs by toning them down and imitating others.
Slowing down conversations, direct communication, active listening, patience and understanding, routines for security, and empathy for sensory needs can help someone with autism feel supported. You can give kids more time to process information, visual cues, timers, positive reinforcement, private spaces, and time for fun. Exercise and breathing techniques can help your child manage stressors.
Deb Falzoi
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