*Find the full video on my youtube, link at the bottom.
As a developmental therapist and evaluator, I am quite knowledgeable in assessing kids who are on the spectrum. Truth be told, I can typically spend less than half an hour with a child and determine if they are showing red flags. This isn’t always the case, and sometimes I need longer and multiple sessions, but overall I can spot very distinct things out that I consider red flags. Things that at least notify me we should further investigate. When I assess kids to determine what’s going on, whether it’s a speech delay, spectrum behaviors, or global delays, parents always ask me some of the same questions. How do you know if my child’s on the spectrum?
I compiled a list of four key buzz statements and/or red flags that I typically see early on with kids on the spectrum.
Speech regression: While asking parents what their child’s speech is like, it’s a red flag when parents say “well he/she was saying a few words and then all of a sudden stopped. No imitation, no trying, no speech.” Regression in speech is considered a sign of autism, again not all the time, but it is something to make note of. Speech is usually a very important milestone for kids and that’s one of the first delays we notice.
Spinning of wheels: When I assess a child I will always give them toys to play with to see if they are playing appropriately with that toy. Are they rolling the car or truck, or flipping it over and spinning the wheels? Are they more interested in spinning objects, ceiling fans for example? Spinning of wheels, fidget spinners, and being over interested in the wheels rather than rolling and playing with cars are red flags.
Picky eating: This can be quite confusing for parents. Are most kids picky, sure. But a large percentage of kids on the spectrum display picky eating in relation to a sensory delay. I like to say it goes beyond just not liking your veggies. It’s kids who only eat crunchy things like goldfish and crackers. It’s kids who refuse to drink from other sip cups and bottles, only liking one type of nipple. It’s kids who have a hard time transitioning off of milk from a bottle. Kids who prefer pureed foods over texture foods. There are all sorts of picky eaters, and they vary. But when parents tell me their two year old is still drinking milk from a bottle because he/she refused to drink from anything else, or that they present a large amount of foods and they still only eat the exact same thing everyday. It raises red flags.
Head banging/aggressive behaviors: Head banging raises awareness for anyone. It’s quite alarming when children do it repeatedly. When parents report their child head banging or being very aggressive with other children, especially siblings, it raises alarm, as it should for any parent. Is being aggressive with siblings typical, slightly. But is breaking tables, head banging, and throwing objects, not so much. Therefore when a child is under three showing this much aggression and head banging tendencies I do red flag it. Head banging can be a variety of reasons not just out of anger, sometimes sensory seeking as well. Regardless it’s scary!
I want to be clear though that just because your child exhibits picky eating, does not mean they have autism. If one of these statements are made to me or I observe this it’s not as alarming. But when all of these are presented, that is where the concern lies. If you are concerned that your child is showing red flags please speak to your pediatrician. There is help! If you ever have any questions feel free to ask. I hope this article helps in some way.
If you’d prefer to hear me explain, please watch the video on my youtube at Early Intervention Therapy Services. Don’t forget to subscribe!