Recognizing autism in young children
Contrary to popular belief, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not uncommon. Pervasive developmental disorders, including autism, affect 10% of births in France. However, the vast majority of families find themselves helpless in the face of the lack of care …
Signs of autism
Autism can be expressed in different ways, which is also its complexity. Here are some of the warning signs of a possible ASD:
- – difficulties in establishing social relations;
- – difficulties in communicating;
- – language delay, see no language at all;
- – behavioral disorders …
- restricted nature of activities (turning on a switch, lining up cars, animals, etc.)
- child who does not like to be taken in the arms, has inconsolable anger, refuses to wear certain clothes, refuses to taste new foods.
- a child who does not point a finger after 18 months
- absence of babbling, child who does not look in the eyes, does not react to his name
Taken in isolation, none of the symptoms mean that a child has an ASD disorder. It is their repetition and association that can lead to a diagnosis. Other signs can also be added: anxiety, hyperactivity, intellectual deficit, genetic diseases, epilepsy …
The need for an early diagnosis, around 15-18 months, is unanimous.
The causes of autism
It can’t be said that there is a single cause of autism. At the origin of this handicap, it is an interaction of different factors (genetic, environmental, organic, viral…), such as a “bad” encounter which would modify the function of certain genes.
It is a “neurodevelopmental disorder”, which occurs during pregnancy.
Contrary to what has been said in the past, today we know perfectly well that autism is not an affective disorder between mother and child. It is important to stress that parents do not have to feel guilty about their child’s disability.
Assessment of the national strategy: an “autism plan” finally up to expectations?
While France has fallen significantly behind in the management of autism, in March 2021, the government presented a progress report on the “autism plan 2108-2022”. Concrete measures expected by many parents.
So, on tracking, in order to shorten the time taken to take charge of treatment, the massive distribution of identification tools via information brochures with the “typical symptoms” or the usual developmental gaps has been experimented with to all early childhood professionals (director nursery, nursery assistants, pediatrician, general practitioners, PMI, etc.) to identify children before the age of 5 (average age of current diagnosis, while the first signs appear from 18 months).
Public chat the support, to avoid unsuitable methods (eg psychoanalytic) or not proven by science, measures have been taken to structure research through the creation of “Centers of excellence for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders”, which bring together a collaborative research network across the country. Provision is also made for an increase in financial coverage beyond 18 months, and funding for families to take charge of the expertise of psychologists.
Last but not least, on the delay in schooling, the government plans to open new specific classes dedicated to autistic children, with an emphasis on kindergarten classes.
Taking charge
For a first appointment, parents can go to their doctor. This will direct the parents to a speech therapist for an assessment. The real “diagnosis” will be made by different professionals: psychologists, pediatric neurologists, within a multidisciplinary team in a CRA (Autism Resource Center). Early screening tests, such as M-CHAT, exist on the Internet. They give parents a first indication.
If the child is taken care of early, between 0 and 5 years old, it is still possible to act. Indeed, early intervention and management, with appropriate exercises, can modify the cerebral architecture of the brain and restore connections between synapses. This is why it is essential to spot children early on. Specialists in therapies on TDHA disorders emphasize: “the faster we intervene, the faster we can catch up with some of the disorders”. What to give hope to parents, even if autism is not a handicap which one “cures”.
Young autistic children can be welcomed:
- – in day hospital ;
- – in a medico-psycho educational center (CMPP);
- – in a medico-educational institute (IME)
- -in a medico-pedagogical institute (IMP)
In theory, only, because in the end there are very few reception places for toddlers. Lack of places in specialized establishments, lack of studies and statistics to assess needs, lack of money… According to the Autism France association, “they would be thousands of children (and adults) not able to benefit from appropriate support. “Thus, they would only be 30% to enter a school.
Find out more about the schooling of autistic children …
The many associations of parents denounce the delay of France in the care of autistic children and fight to change things. They call for early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, better access to school, more information, etc.
Some associations:
- Conquer autism: 01 47 00 47 83
- Autism France : 0810 179 179
- Sesame autism: 01 44 24 50 00
- UNAPEI: 01 44 85 50 50
The official government site: the site www.autisme.gouv.fr aims to inform the public about autism and to improve general knowledge about this handicap, thanks to objective and scientifically validated information.
Un green number free, on 0 800 71 40 40, from the website “https://www.autismeinfoservice.fr/” with a space for sharing innovative and localized initiatives, A crisis unit that can respond to people in distress