What to Do When You Suspect Your Child Might Be Autistic: A Parent’s Guide

As a parent, noticing that something feels “off” with your child can stir a mix of concern, confusion, and determination to find answers. If you’re wondering whether your child might be autistic, you’re not alone—many parents experience this uncertainty. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and processes the world. While every child is unique, early recognition and action can make a significant difference. Here’s a guide to help you navigate those first steps with clarity and confidence.

Trust Your Instincts and Observe

Your parental intuition is powerful. If you sense something different about your child’s development—perhaps they’re not meeting milestones like speaking, making eye contact, or engaging socially—start by observing specific behaviors. Do they avoid eye contact, struggle with transitions, or show intense interests in specific topics? Are they sensitive to sounds, textures, or lights? Jot down these observations, noting when they occur and how frequently. This record will be invaluable when discussing your concerns with professionals.

Understand the Signs of Autism

Autism presents differently in every child, but common signs include delayed speech or language skills, difficulty with social interactions, repetitive behaviors (like hand-flapping or lining up objects), and sensory sensitivities. For example, your child might not respond to their name by 12 months, avoid physical touch, or seem uninterested in playing with peers. These signs don’t confirm autism, but they’re worth exploring further. The CDC and Autism Speaks offer reliable checklists, like the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers), to help you assess whether your concerns align with autism traits.

Talk to Your Pediatrician

Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible. Share your observations clearly, using specific examples: “She doesn’t respond when I call her name,” or “He gets upset by loud noises and covers his ears.” Ask for a developmental screening, which is a standard tool to assess your child’s progress. If the pediatrician dismisses your concerns without thorough discussion, seek a second opinion. Early intervention is critical, and you’re your child’s best advocate.

Seek a Specialist Evaluation

If screening suggests potential autism, contacting a diagnostic specialist as soon as possible would be the next step. They’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation, often involving behavioral assessments, interviews, and sometimes cognitive testing. Wait times are often very long for evaluations (up to 2 years), and some families may be asked to come back in 2-3 years to seek evaluation. RiseNow Autism Innovations can help you avoid this queue with rapid admission into our evaluation program.

Educate Yourself, But Avoid Overwhelm

It’s tempting to dive into online research, but stick to credible sources like the National Autism Association, Autism Speaks, or government health websites. Be cautious of forums or unverified blogs that may amplify fears or misinformation. Autism is a spectrum, meaning your child’s needs and strengths will be unique. Learning about therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, or occupational therapy can help you feel prepared, but don’t feel pressured to have all the answers immediately.

Prioritize Emotional Support

Suspecting autism can bring up complex emotions—fear, guilt, or even relief at naming what’s been “off.” Connect with other parents through local support groups or online communities like those on Facebook or Reddit’s autism parenting forums. Hearing others’ experiences can normalize your journey and offer practical tips. Also, prioritize self-care; parenting a child with potential autism requires energy and resilience.

Take the Next Steps

If your child is diagnosed with autism, early intervention services—such as speech or behavioral therapy—can significantly improve outcomes. These services, often accessible through public programs, focus on building communication, social, and adaptive skills. Even if a diagnosis isn’t confirmed, addressing developmental delays early is beneficial. Celebrate your child’s strengths, whether it’s their focus on a favorite activity or their unique way of seeing the world. Parents also help the child to grow by increasing their own knowledge of ASD and also learning positive behavioral skills. At RiseNow, our BCBAs are standing by, ready to instill a host of education in helping you assist your child in attaining positive and meaningful development.

You’re Not Alone

This journey can feel overwhelming, but you’re taking the right steps by seeking answers. Trust yourself, lean on professionals, and connect with a community that understands. Your child is still the same incredible person they’ve always been, and with support, they can thrive in their own way.