Autism & Special Needs Parenting: Is My Child Okay?

Do you ever wonder if your child is developing typically? It is especially difficult to determine if your child is meeting developmental milestones at a typical rate if this child is your first. You look at that toddler and think that everything they do deserves applause….and it does! But…..do you ever still just wonder if everything is okay?

I do not want you to wonder or worry. But I do want you to be knowledgeable about typical developmental milestones because the earlier that you are able to intervene with problem issues the better. I want to provide you with research based information that may help to alleviate your worries. Too many times, new parents see problems in their child’s development when there aren’t any. But there are other times that I see parents ignore issues when they shouldn’t.

There are a few things that I would like for you to keep in mind:

1. Do not believe everything that you read on the internet. You need to base your information on the knowledge and experience of the experts in the field.

2. Do not look for problems that are not there. Your child will have periods of great progress and periods of no progress. Sometimes a concern for you is just a bump in the road, in terms of your child’s development. But always ask your child’s doctor is you are concerned.

3. Do not ignore the opinions and observations of others close to you. Sometimes you can not see the forest for the trees. Listen to your friends and relatives and do not ignore an issue that comes up as a concern to several different people in several different settings.

4. Always compare your child’s development to a same-age peer group not just one same-age peer. You can not compare your little boy to “little Bobby” in day care. You need to compare your child’s development to the entire 2 year-old group – because all children develop at different rates.

5. Remember that development is not going to be consistent in all areas. Your child may begin talking early but walking late. Your child may have wonderful ability in using crayons to color but have trouble dressing themselves. We all have strengths and weaknesses. But again, if you are concerned always ask.

6. Be observant and concerned if progress stops altogether or if regression occurs. This is a serious red flag in any area of development. This is especially noticeable in toileting skills and communication.

I’m going to use this site to provide you, as parents, good information that will help guide you in helping your child. The Center for Disease Control has a wonderful website with research based information that is perfect for new parents. It has an interactive checklist that can be completed by the parent, printed and kept as a guide to the child’s development. This site is a wealth of information.

Not only are the developmental guides good for determining if the milestones are met but are also good for helping new parents determine when they should give the child some space to become more independent. In addition, it will also help guide them on what skills to encourage at what age.

Check out the CDC’s website for this wonderful video. Don’t worry so much but be very observant and if you ever become concerned with any portion of your child’s development – do not second guess – talk to your child’s pediatrician.

If there is a problem, early intervention is key.