Signs of Autism

Understanding Autism: Based on CARS-2

Hey there! If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who cares about the kids in your life, having the right tools to spot potential signs of autism can make a world of difference. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s super important for families and educators: recognizing the signs of autism. So, let’s break it down, shall we?

Imagine this: You’re at a family friend's birthday party, and someone notices see a little one named Timmy standing off to the side, watching everyone play. His friends are laughing and running around, but Timmy seems more interested in the way the light catches the balloons than in joining the games. You might wonder if he’s just shy or if there’s something more going on. You've heard about the word Autism before and now you aren't sure if that is what you are seeing in Timmy.

Here is a checklist inspired by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS-2) can come in handy!

A simple list based on CARS-2

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS-2) is a diagnostic tool used to help identify children with autism and determine the severity of their symptoms. It is designed to be used by clinicians to assess behaviours and characteristics associated with autism. Let's discuss the checklist. It serves as a guidebook to help observe and document behaviors that may indicate autism. The focus is on understanding the child, not labeling them. 

Relating to People
  • Does Timmy have a tough time making friends?
  • Is he avoiding eye contact, or does he look away when someone talks to him?
  • Does he prefer playing alone instead of joining in with the group?
Emotional Response
  • Does he react in ways that seem unusual for the situation? Maybe he laughs when others are sad?
  • Is it hard for him to express how he feels?
Body Use
  • Do you notice him flapping his hands or rocking back and forth when he’s excited or anxious?
  • Are there any unusual movements or postures he tends to adopt?
Object Use
  • Is he attached to a specific toy or object in a way that seems different?
  • Does he struggle to play with toys the way most kids do?
Adaptation to Change
  • How does he react when there’s a change in routine? Does he have a meltdown over moving to a different activity?
  • Does he get upset over small changes, like switching from one game to another?
Listening Response
  • Does he seem to not hear his name being called sometimes, or does he react oddly to sounds?
  • Is he over-sensitive or under-sensitive to noises around him?
Taste, Smell, and Touch Response
  • Does he have strange reactions to certain textures or smells?
  • Is he a picky eater or does he refuse to try new foods?
Fear or Nervousness
  • Does he have fears that seem unusual, or is he too fearless in risky situations?
  • How does he handle new places or unfamiliar situations?
Verbal Communication
  • Is his speech limited, or does he have trouble keeping a conversation going?
  • Does he repeat phrases or words often (this is called echolalia)?
Non-verbal Communication
  • Does he struggle to understand or use gestures?
  • How expressive is he with his face? Does he smile or frown when appropriate?
Activity Level
  • Is he bouncing off the walls with energy, or does he seem unusually calm?
  • Can he focus on tasks, or does he get distracted easily?
General Impressions
  • What are your overall thoughts on how he interacts with his surroundings?

Simple action Plan

If you suspect that someone, such as the child described in the client notes, might have autism, here are some simple action steps to consider:

  1. Seek Professional Evaluation: Contact a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician, neurologist, psychologist or an occupational therapist (like me!) who specialises in autism for a comprehensive evaluation. This will help confirm any suspicions and provide a clearer understanding of the child's needs.
  2. Gather Information: Collect any relevant information about the child's behaviours, strengths, and challenges. This includes observations from home, school, and any other settings. The notes provided, such as stimming behaviours, strengths in music and academics, and challenges with focus and daily tasks, are valuable. 
  3. Communicate with Educators: Engage with the child's teachers and support staff at school to discuss observations and any concerns. If the child has a shadow teacher, they can provide insights into the child's school behaviour and learning needs.
  4. Explore Intervention Options: Based on the evaluation, explore intervention options such as occupational therapy (me again!), speech therapy, or behavioural therapy. These can help address specific challenges like handwriting, focus, and daily living skills.
  5. Create a Supportive Environment: At home, create a structured and predictable environment to help the child feel more in control. This can include routines for daily activities and sensory-friendly spaces.
  6. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about autism to better understand the child's experiences and needs. Share this knowledge with family members and others involved in the child's care.
  7. Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the child's progress and adjust strategies as needed. Regularly communicate with professionals and educators to ensure the child is receiving appropriate support.
  8. Consider Dietary and Sensory Needs: Pay attention to the child's picky eating habits and sensory preferences. Work with a nutritionist or occupational therapist to address any dietary concerns and sensory sensitivities.

Wrapping Up

This checklist and a probable action plan can be a helpful starting point for parents, educators, or anyone who spends time with children to observe behaviors and share their findings with a specialist for further evaluation. But remember, every child is unique! Just because you see some of these signs doesn’t mean a child has autism. A proper assessment by a qualified professional is key for an accurate diagnosis and a therapy plan.

So, next time you’re at a birthday party and see a Timmy standing off to the side, you’ll have a better understanding of what you might be witnessing. And who knows? This little checklist might just help someone get the support they need. Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in understanding our amazing kids!

For parents seeking Goal-Specific toys for their children, our Toy Capsules are designed by a pediatric Occupational Therapist to aid in developmental progress. Reach out to us for support on this journey!

 

References: 

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