parenting
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. You know their giggles, their quirks, their favourite bedtime book, and that very specific way they want their toast cut. So, if you’ ve noticed something that just feels a little different( maybe they’ re not speaking yet, or they don’ t respond to their name) it’ s completely natural to have questions.
When can autism be diagnosed?
Autism can often be picked up as early as 18 months.“ Many children are diagnosed between two and four years,” says Eyre,“ but diagnosis can happen much later, especially for girls or those who mask their difficulties.”
Archer agrees, adding,“ Early diagnosis allows for early intervention, which can significantly support development. But some people only get diagnosed later in life, especially females, as our clinical understanding has historically been based on the male ASD profile.”
Eyre herself was diagnosed after her son.“ It took seeing the traits in him, and how familiar they felt, for me to finally understand myself.”
Spotting the early signs
Karen Archer, educational psychologist and deputy principal at Bellavista S. H. A. R. E, shares some signs:
• Limited eye contact
• No response to their name
• Delayed speech
• Repetitive movements like handflapping
• Strong interest in specific objects
• Less interest in playing with others or using pretend play
Kelly Eyre, pedagogy lead for Dibber International SA, educational
What is autism, really?
“ Autism is a lifelong neuro-developmental condition that presents differently across the population,” explains Archer.“ It affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people and the world around them.”
But here’ s the thing: autism is a difference, not a defect.“ It’ s an invisible disability,” says Archer,“ and that can make it tricky for others to understand why someone behaves a certain way.”
Still, she’ s quick to remind us:“ Most people with autism become active members of society with successful pursuits and careers, fulfilling relationships and much-loved families.” In fact, many individuals on the spectrum bring unique strengths.
www. babysandbeyond. co. za consultant, autistic adult and mum to an autistic son, adds from her own life:“ My son didn’ t speak at all in his early years, and he didn’ t engage in pretend play. He didn’ t respond in socially typical ways – there was a difference in how he connected with the world.”
She also notes that signs aren’ t always loud or obvious.“ It’ s not about one specific behaviour. It’ s about recognising patterns that feel different from what you typically see in other children of the same age.”
Delay or autism?
Here’ s where things get a little tricky. Archer says:“ While both may involve delayed milestones, autism typically includes difficulties with social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviours.”
Eyre explains it beautifully:“ Delays suggest a child is developing typically, but just a bit behind. With autism, it’ s more about how they experience the world. My son didn’ t just speak late – he didn’ t attempt social communication in typical ways.”
What to do if you suspect autism
Start with your gut.“ Trust your instincts,” says Eyre.“ Write down what you’ ve noticed – even the small things.”
Then chat with your child’ s GP or paediatrician.“ They can conduct developmental screenings and refer you to specialists,” Archer explains. You might also consider seeing a speech therapist early on if communication is a concern.
“ Sometimes,” Eyre shares,“ you have to push through the‘ wait and see’ advice
75