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Early signs autism

by with No Comment Community Care

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can present in various ways, and the signs may differ from person to person. However, early detection is key to accessing support and intervention. Below are some early signs of autism, typically observed in children by the age of 2-3 years:

1. Social Communication Challenges

  • Limited or no response to their name by 9-12 months.
  • Avoidance of eye contact or difficulty maintaining it.
  • Limited facial expressions to convey emotions.
  • Delayed speech and language development.
  • Difficulty understanding or using gestures like pointing, waving, or nodding.
  • Rarely seeking comfort from others or showing affection spontaneously.

2. Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors

  • Repetitive motions like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects.
  • Strict adherence to routines; distress when routines are disrupted.
  • Intense interest in specific topics, objects, or parts of objects (e.g., wheels on a car).
  • Unusual sensory responses, such as being overly sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
  • Preferring to play alone or in repetitive, solitary ways rather than engaging in imaginative or interactive play.

3. Delays or Differences in Development

  • Difficulty with motor skills, such as clapping or waving.
  • Loss of previously acquired skills, such as speaking words or social engagement.
  • Lack of typical developmental milestones, like babbling by 9 months or speaking words by 16 months.

4. Emotional and Behavioral Signs

  • Difficulty regulating emotions, leading to meltdowns or tantrums.
  • Resistance to physical touch unless initiated by themselves.
  • Difficulty understanding or responding to social cues like facial expressions or tone of voice.

5. Unusual Interests or Focus

  • Strong attachment to unusual objects or topics.
  • Intense focus on specific details, sometimes at the expense of seeing the bigger picture.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you observe these behaviors, consider the following steps:

  1. Talk to Your GP or Health Visitor: Share your concerns and ask for an assessment.
  2. Request a Referral for Evaluation: This may include seeing a pediatrician, child psychologist, or speech therapist.
  3. Monitor Development: Use developmental checklists to track your child’s progress and identify areas of concern.
  4. Seek Early Intervention: Access support programs like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral interventions if autism is diagnosed.

Additional Resources

Early recognition and support can make a significant difference in the development and well-being of a child with autism.

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How to seek for support from your local council for a child exhibiting challenging behaviour

by with No Comment Community CareUncategorized

If you’re in the UK and seeking support from your local council for a child exhibiting challenging behavior, you can follow these steps to effectively communicate your concerns and request assistance:

Step 1: Gather Information

Before reaching out, ensure you have all relevant details about your child’s behavior and its impact. This may include:

  • Specific examples of the challenging behavior.
  • How it affects your child’s daily life, education, or relationships.
  • Any previous steps you’ve taken to address the behavior (e.g., discussions with teachers, healthcare professionals, or support groups).

Step 2: Identify the Correct Department

Your local council will have specific departments that deal with children and family services. Look for departments such as:

  • Children’s Services or Family Support Services.
  • Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) team, if applicable.
  • Early Help programs, which focus on supporting families before problems escalate.

Step 3: Make Contact

You can contact your local council via their website, by phone, or in writing. Use the following steps to make your complaint or request for support:

1. Write a Formal Letter or Email

If writing, structure your letter like this:

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, your child, and your reason for contacting them.
    • Example: “My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to seek support for my child, [Child’s Name], who is exhibiting challenging behaviors that are affecting their well-being.”
  • Describe the Problem: Explain your child’s behavior, how it is impacting them and your family, and why you need support.
    • Example: “[Child’s Name] has been showing signs of [specific behaviors], which have led to difficulties at school and home, such as [examples]. Despite our efforts, we are struggling to manage these challenges.”
  • Request Assistance: Clearly state what you hope the council can do.
    • Example: “I would like to request an assessment of my child’s needs and information about any available support services or programs.”
  • Closing: Provide your contact details and thank them for their attention.

2. Call the Council

If you prefer calling, explain your situation clearly and ask for guidance on the next steps. Note the name of the person you speak to and any advice they provide.

Step 4: Request an Assessment

Under the Children Act 1989, you can request an assessment of your child’s needs. This may involve:

  • A Social Care Assessment to identify support services for your child and family.
  • An Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Assessment if your child’s behavior impacts their learning or indicates a special educational need.

Step 5: Follow Up

If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable time frame, follow up with the council. Keep records of all correspondence and conversations.

Step 6: Seek Advocacy Support (Optional)

If you find the process challenging, consider reaching out to advocacy organizations like:

Additional Tips

  • Be polite but assertive in your communication.
  • Provide evidence, such as teacher reports or medical opinions, if available.
  • Request written confirmation of any actions the council agrees to take.

By approaching the situation calmly and systematically, you increase the likelihood of accessing the support your child needs.