- Waiting times for child autism assessments are on the rise, with a 36-month backlog in one area and an 86% increase in waits across all NHS trusts.
- Long waits for assessments can impact a child’s social development and educational attainment, leaving families to struggle alone.
- Signs of autism in children include avoiding eye contact, sensory sensitivity, speech difficulty, repetitive behavior, repetitive movements, and misunderstanding emotions.
- Girls with autism may display different signs than boys, such as hiding signs by mimicking others and appearing to cope better with social situations.
- While waiting for a diagnosis, parents can keep a diary of triggers for meltdowns, maintain a structured routine, encourage their child’s special interests, and communicate with the school to ensure support is provided.
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