Mom Debi Cox and Child Psychologist Allison Kawa, along with Stephanie Rotondi from Generation Rescue, review the early signs of autism and what parents can expect. The most common signs are delays in speech, averting eyes, hand flapping, repetitive use of objects, and more behaviors. Part of getting a diagnosis is getting access to services. You will need to help address what your opportunities are and have your child’s needs met. The goal is always to help them reach their potential.

Transcript:

- In the beginning when I didn't know what was going on, that he was autistic, I floundered. I didn't know what to do, who to look at, and I kept looking at my child, going, what's wrong with you?

- Some of the classic signs of autism that we often see in toddlers or preschool-aged children are going to include delays in speech, children who avert their eyes or who really only hold it briefly, hand flapping, toe walking, behaviors such as lining objects up and becoming very distressed if the lines are moved, spinning objects, very repetitive use of objects would be another classic sign of autism.

- And then once I knew, oh, he's autistic, then I could have a different compassion with my son. Then I had some structure for my son. Then I had something to work towards.

- Part of getting a diagnosis is getting your child their services. You're gonna be getting some invaluable services to help address whatever their opportunities are in helping them to get those needs met. Getting, you know, therapies, if it's ABA, if it's in-home services, really helping them to reach their potential through everything between private and publicly funded services.

- I think your job as a parent is to help your child get the most out of their life, right? Whatever that was destined to be.