April is Autism Awareness Month, with the eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day being April 2, 2016. This month helps to show the different spectrums of autism; bringing to life the different stages, types, and symptoms of Autism. Ranging from not wanting to be touched, to not adapting to change well. Both my foster brother and my Tia have autism. It was difficult but we managed all of their quirks and outburst. With around the clock monitoring and medical help, it was hard but worth it in the end.

Diagnosing Autism can be difficult since there is no true medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors monitor the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis after a span of a few years after birth. Autism can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with autism might not get the early help they need.

One of the many names of Autism is ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the treatment varies. Being that there is currently no cure for ASD. Research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Services can include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with other children and peers. It is very important to talk to your child’s doctor as soon as possible if you think your child has ASD or other developmental problems. Even if your child has not been diagnosed with an ASD or other disabilities, he or she may be eligible for early intervention treatment services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that children under the age of 3 years (36 months) who are at risk of having developmental delays may be eligible for services. These services are provided through an early intervention system in your state. Through this system, you can ask for an evaluation. In addition, treatment for particular symptoms, such as speech therapy for language delays, often does not need to wait for a formal ASD diagnosis.

There are many sites that offer help with both finding good doctors and therapists and other support groups. They can help you locate schools that will help your children or even yourself. Websites that offer help and are an excellent resource are, Rutgers Student Counseling, ADAP and Psychiatric Services. They offer general information about Autism, services and contacts, self-help, consultations and education, training programs, and appointments in case of emergency.