April is autism acceptance month
One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching.
What are the signs of autism?
Source: AutismSpeaks.org
The autism diagnosis age and intensity of autism’s early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. In others, behaviors become obvious as late as age 2 or 3. Not all children with autism show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is crucial.
The following may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, ask your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation right away:
By 6 months
- Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
- Limited or no eye contact
By 9 months
- Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions
By 12 months
- Little or no babbling
- Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
- Little or no response to name
By 16 months
- Very few or no words
By 24 months
- Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)
At any age
- Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Persistent preference for solitude
- Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
- Delayed language development
- Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
- Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
- Restricted interests
- Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
- Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors
If you have concerns, get your child screened and contact your healthcare provider
The M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers ™) can help you determine if a professional should evaluate your child. This simple online autism screen, available on our website, takes only a few minutes. If the answers suggest your child has a high probability for autism, please consult with your child’s doctor. Likewise, if you have any other concerns about your child's development, don't wait. Speak to your doctor now about screening your child for autism.
Source: AutismSpeaks https://www.autismspeaks.org/signs-autism
SELF-CARE FOR PARENTS /CAREGIVERS CONFERENCE
Join DDD for a day of self-care, learning, and community! DDD is hosting a conference for caregivers to help them learn how to care for themselves while caring for others. There is no cost to attend.
- WHO: For parents or family members who are caregivers of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- WHAT: A no-cost event to help caregivers learn to care for themselves while caring for others
- WHEN: April 25, 2023 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- WHERE: Desert Willow Conference Center at 4340 E Cotton Center Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85040
Developmental Screening Goals
Celebrate Milestones
Every family looks forward to seeing a child’s first smile, first step, and first words. Regular screenings with early childhood professionals help raise awareness of a child’s development, making it easier to celebrate developmental milestones.
Promote Universal Screening
All children need support in the early years to stay healthy and happy. Just like regular hearing and vision screenings can assure that children are able to hear and see clearly, developmental and behavioral screenings can assure that children are making progress in areas such as language, social, or motor development.
Identify Possible Delays and Challenges Early
With regular screenings, families, teachers, and other professionals can assure that young children get the services and supports they need as early as possible to help them thrive.
Enhance Developmental Supports
Families are children’s first and most important teachers. Tools, guidance, and tips recommended by experts, can help families support their children's development.
Information provided by the US Department of Education/ Birth To 5: Watch Me Thrive!
Agency Highlight:
Family Involvement Center
learning opportunities
Mountain States Regional Genetics Network is pleased to offer a new workshop for Early Intervention Professionals called Genetic Connections. This workshop will provide you with information and resources for supporting families who are interested in accessing genetic services.
This workshop consists of four, 30-minute modules which can be delivered virtually or in-person (based on availability) in one sitting (for a total of a 2-hour training) or shorter increments.
The four modules are:
- Module 1: The Who and Why of Genetics?
- Module 2: The Vocabulary of Genetics
- Module 3: Four Family Case Studies
- Module 4: Red Flags and Next Steps
We are excited to offer this training free of charge to Early Intervention Professionals in a group setting in our 8 state region. This training will be conducted by our Project Manager, Kristi Wees, and our state Genetic Navigators who have been trained to deliver this workshop.
If you are an early intervention professional in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas or Utah and are interested in hosting a training for your group of 10 or more individuals, please fill out this form and we will be in contact with you to get more details on your group.
To download the above flyer about this training click here.
resources
AzEIP Materials Available Online
You can find a library of AzEIP materials on the DES Documents Center. Be sure to select the "Flyers + Pamphlets" tab. Next, "Filter by Category" by clicking on the drop-down menu to select "AZ Intervention Program." Then, click on "Search" for a complete list of AzEIP materials.
AzEIP Spanish language materials are available on the DES Document Center
Get involved with AZEIP
Would you like to be more involved with AzEIP?
Learn about our Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) https://des.az.gov/services/developmental-disabilities/early-intervention/icc-for-infants-and-toddlers
ICC Family Engagement Committee Facebook page - Arizona Early Childhood Community https://www.facebook.com/azearlychildhoodICC
We would like to hear from you.
If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future content OR would like to share your AzEIP family story, please contact us at https://des.az.gov/services/developmental-disabilities/early-intervention/contact or call (602) 532-9960.
Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Best regards,
your AzEIP team