Mar 28, 2025
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Wellness
Five things parents and caregivers should know about autism
Autism spectrum disorder encompasses a wide variety of difficulties. While children with autism may have some challenges to overcome, they also have plenty of similarities to children without autism. Take a little time to learn about autism during this Autism Acceptance Month.
Children who have autism may have trouble communicating and being social with others and may engage in repetitive behaviors. Children are often diagnosed around age 2, though it can be as early as 18 months. Pediatricians check regularly that children are meeting appropriate milestones; if a child is not, this is one indication they may have autism.
TidalHealth Pediatric Development & Therapy has recently opened in Millsboro, and I provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children ages 2 to 12 there.
In ABA, a board-certified behavior analyst works with the child utilizing positive reinforcement to teach behavior, for example, responding to their name, toileting, communicating their needs and more.
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I’ve spent more than 10 years working in the field of ABA, and I have connected with many parents to hear their perspectives on what other parents and caregivers should understand about autism. Here are the Top 5 takeaways:
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Trust your instincts. When bringing up concerns about signs of autism in your child, others may dismiss you. But you know your child best — be a strong advocate for them.
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Autism is a spectrum. There is not one “look” to autism, and there is a wide spectrum to the disorder, with three levels of severity.
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Embrace your child. One of the moms I talked to said: “Your relationship may not look like your relationship with your parents, or how you envisioned your relationship with your child looking, but that doesn’t mean it’s less valuable.” Embrace the relationship you have with your child.
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Build a network. While an autism diagnosis can feel earth-shattering and isolating, there is plenty of support available in our region. Your network could include a support group and/or friends who understand, love and encourage your child.
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Your child has feelings. Even if they can’t always express their emotions, your child is still human, wants connections and wants to be loved. Just because a child is playing alone, for example, doesn’t mean they only want to be alone — they may not have the skills to play with others yet. Just like any other child, your child will also want friendships and loving connections.
If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and could benefit from ABA therapy, request an appointment at TidalHealth Pediatric Development & Therapy, located at 30265 Commerce Drive, Suite 204, Millsboro, DE 19966. You can also call 443-978-6020.
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