[gtufano]

As a father with a child with autism spectrum disorder (it is not fully diagnosed until 6-8) I strongly second to have your children tested and enrolled as soon as possible (ideally as soon as you have any doubt or see any sign). Therapies can have almost magical effects if started early, much less as time passes.

[ambiate]

This, a hundred times this. Confronting the possibility prior to frontal lobe development can radically redirect a life. In the spectrum, frontal lobe development can almost equate to tabula rasa on certain traits. It annoys me when parents ignore the signs and are literally altering the path of their child. Embrace it, because when the teen years approach and the decade following, they will fall into place and you will most likely get rewarded with the relationship that every parent wants with their grown kids.

I think this goes out to all parents. If your kid does not enjoy the things you want to do with them, set aside time and do some of the things they want to do. You're investing in a lifelong relationship. Years will pass and that opportunity will not come back.

[xijuan]

well said!

[r00fus]

Yes, if you suspect your child has any delays, programs like early start [1] are crucial in not only helping the child, but also helping you in dealing with any issues.

The only reason these programs aren't swamped with participants is because of the feared stigma and actually coming to grips with your child's differences.

[1] http://www.php.com/services/early-intervention-infants-toddl...