Parent Guide to Autism
Welcome
Welcome to the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) Parent Guide to Autism! You've just taken an important step in learning more about autism and how it may impact your child. This seven-day email series is designed to give you clear, practical information in bite-sized pieces so you don't feel overwhelmed.
Over the next seven days, we’ll cover:
- What autism is (and isn’t)
- Making a diagnosis
- Common strengths and challenges
- How autism shows up differently in each child
- Practical tips for supporting learning, communication, and daily life
- Using Individualized Education Plans, 504 Plans, and other school resources
- Resources and tools to help families thrive
We’ll start with the basics in the next lesson. For now, know that you’re in the right place. This series is here to support you with compassion, clarity, and encouragement.
Day 01
What Autism Is (and Isn’t) and Making an Autism Diagnosis
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how children communicate, play, and connect with others and the world around them. Many kids with autism reach early milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking on time, so delays in social or language skills might not be noticed right away.
Because autism looks different in every child, it’s called a spectrum.
Why Early Screening Matters
Every child has unique needs and finding those needs early makes a big difference. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends autism screenings at 18 and 24 months.
When you visit your child's doctor for their 18-month and 24-months well-visits, you may be asked to complete a screening tool called the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers or M-CHAT. Your doctor may also ask you to complete this screening at any time if you or they have concerns about your child's development.
Early support can help children build important skills and give families the tools they need to thrive.
What to Do If You Have Concerns
If you have questions about your child’s development, a great place to start is by talking with their doctor. That may even be how you ended up with this email in your inbox!
Tomorrow we'll take a closer look at the diagnostic process and what to expect along the way. You're already taking positive steps for your child—and we're here to support you every step.
Day 02
Making an Autism Diagnosis
When a Formal Evaluation is Needed
If you have a concern about something you are noticing in how your child communicates, plays, or acts, and you have discussed it with their doctor – the next step might be a formal evaluation or diagnostic evaluation.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
The evaluation will be in-depth. It may include:
Your child's doctor asking questions about health and development and requesting you to complete screening questionnaires, such as the M-CHAT. You can learn more about the M-CHAT and other screening tools here.
Sample questions might include:
- Does your child make eye contact when you talk to them?
- Does your child respond to their name when you call it?
- Does your child point to show you something interesting?
- Does your child imitate you (like waving bye-bye)?
Referral to developmental specialists or speech therapists to further assess your child's development. Specialists may want to observe your child's interactions and play in a controlled environment.
Specialists may observe::
- How your child plays with toys
- Whether your child engages in pretend play
- How your child responds to social situations
- Your child's speech and language skills
Input from family members and/or teachers who may be asked if they have any concerns with your child's behavior or development in different settings.
What Happens After the Evaluation
This evaluation helps your doctor build a full picture of your child and assess their needs and the best next steps, which may include a diagnosis.
Tomorrow we'll explore how autism shows up differently in each child. Every child is unique, and understanding this will help you better support your child's individual needs.
Day 03
How Autism Shows Up Differently in Each Child
Early Signs
Many children with autism learn to crawl and walk, which are physical milestones, at the same time as other kids. Differences usually show up in how children talk, play, and connect with people. Watching these behaviors closely can be very helpful.
What to Look For by Age
- By around 12 months, many children can look where you point. A child with autism may not do this.
- By around 15 months, many children are pointing to show you things and look back and forth to check if you notice what they see too. A child with autism may not do this or they may seem uninterested – they might also bring you to the object instead of pointing.
Common Signs and Behaviors
Communication delays. Most children with autism show some delays with non-verbal (body language, eye contact, etc.) and verbal communication (or talking). They may also not respond or turn when their name is called.
Loss of skills or regression. Some children with autism may start to develop words, social behaviors, or interactive skills, but then lose those skills.
Sensitivity to food textures, or sounds. Some children with autism may start to chew certain objects or food items, or show aversions. They may also close their ears when hearing certain sounds, like vacuum cleaners, or the fire truck.
Every Child is Different
Autism can look very different from one child to another. A common phrase among pediatric providers is, “If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism.”
What to Do If You Have Concerns
If you have worries about how your child plays, learns, talks, or moves, share them with your child’s pediatrician. You know your child best, and taking steps early can make a big difference.
Tomorrow we’ll share practical tips for supporting children with autism in everyday life. You’re doing great, keep going! Every child is unique, and understanding this will help you better support your child's individual needs.
Day 04
Practical Tips for Learning, Communicating and Daily Life
Taking Action to Support Your Child
During and after – and even before – a diagnosis, there are ways to help your child’s growth and development:
Accessing Early Support Programs
- If your child is under 3, reach out to Illinois’ Early Intervention program; this is a website that goes into information about getting a referral into Early Intervention.
- If your child is 3 or older, check with your school district about special education and Head Start services.
Therapies That Can Help
Consider therapies tailored to your child's needs:
- Speech therapy helps with communication skills and language development
- Occupational therapy supports daily living skills, sensory needs, and play
If you are concerned about any developmental delays in your child, reach out to your pediatrician at any time. You can also fill out a request for the Early Intervention program to get additional support (see above).
Other Important Steps
Get your child's hearing tested. Some communication delays can happen because of hearing difficulties, so it's important to rule this out. You can schedule your child’s test by requesting a referral for Audiology from their pediatrician!
Let your child play, especially in ways they choose, and give them opportunities to interact with peers. Taking your child to the park, library, or even enrolling your child into daycare will help them develop social skills. Even a little peer play helps with communication and social skills.
Tomorrow we'll discuss Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and how they can support your child's learning. You're already taking important steps, keep going!
Day 05
Understanding IEPs and School Support
Educational Plans That Support Your Child
If your child is elementary school age or older, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can help ensure they have the support they need at school. An IEP is a legally binding document that outlines specific services and accommodations tailored to your child's unique needs. This might include:
- Speech and language therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Specialized instruction
- Behavioral supports
Some children may also benefit from a 504 plan, which provides accommodations without specialized instruction. Examples include more time for assignments, the use of sound-blocking headphones, access to sensory toys, or preferential seating.
Understanding Inclusion and "Least Restrictive Environment"
Public law requires that children with disabilities are educated with their peers without disabilities as much as possible. This is called inclusion, and it should be guided by your child's individual needs.
Inclusion isn't just about academics, it's also about:
- Participating in activities before, during, and after school
- Joining clubs, committees, or sports teams with peers
- Building social connections and friendships
The goal is to find the right balance where your child receives effective instruction and support while having opportunities to learn alongside their peers. Special education is not a "place" but a coordinated set of services. The most important factor is effective instruction that meets your child's needs, not where it takes place.
How Support Changes as Children Grow
As children move from elementary to middle and high school, their educational needs may shift. While some students continue in regular education classes, others may need more specialized support for certain subjects. It's important to remember that:
- Academic success is important, but so are life skills
- Skills like self-care, communication, job readiness, and self-advocacy help prepare students for independence
- The right educational setting may change over time as your child's needs evolve
Working with Your Child's School
If you feel your child's needs are not being met at school, you can advocate for additional support! Your pediatrician is a valuable partner and can assist with connecting you to community resources, therapy services, and support programs that can help your child thrive.
Tomorrow we'll go over additional resources to support you on this journey. You've come so far this week!
Day 06
Resources and Tools to Help Families Thrive
Understanding Behavior Challenges
Children with autism often struggle with behavior because communication, understanding social situations, and coping with change can be difficult. It's important to remember that behaviors are usually a form of communication, your child may be trying to tell you something they can't express in words.
Behaviors are typically shaped by:
- Triggers (things that happen before the behavior, like loud noises, transitions, or frustration)
- Consequences (what happens after the behavior, like getting attention or escaping a difficult task)
Identifying these patterns helps you understand why a behavior happens, not just what it looks like.
Practical Strategies You Can Use
Here are some ways to support your child and reduce challenging behaviors:
Observe patterns. Pay attention to what comes just before a behavior and what happens after. This gives you clues you can use to plan better support.
Create predictable routines. Visual schedules, warnings before transitions, and preparing your child for what's coming can significantly reduce anxiety and challenging behaviors.
Teach alternative skills. Help your child develop communication skills, emotional understanding, and coping strategies so they have alternatives to challenging behaviors.
Be consistent. Responding the same way each time a behavior occurs helps your child learn which behaviors are effective and which aren't.
Remember: Managing behaviors takes time, patience, and often support from professionals like behavioral specialists or psychologists.
Tomorrow we'll wrap up this series with final thoughts and encouragement. You've learned so much this week, you should be proud of how you're showing up for your child!
Day 07
Moving Forward with Confidence
You Did It!
Congratulations! You've completed the Parent Guide to Autism. Over the past week, you've learned a tremendous amount about supporting your child. Here's a quick recap:
Your Journey:
Day 1: What Autism Is (and Isn't) – Understanding autism and why early screening at 18- and 24-months matters
Resource: Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Day 2: The Diagnostic Process – What to expect during an autism evaluation
Resource: How is Autism Diagnosed?
Day 3: How Autism Shows Up Differently – Recognizing that every child with autism is unique
Resource: Early Signs of Autism
Day 4: Accessing Early Intervention Services – Connecting with therapies and support services
Resource: Early Intervention Programs
Day 5: Educational Planning and IEPs – Understanding your child's rights and school support options
Resource: Special Education Services
Day 6: Supporting Your Child at Home – Practical strategies for daily routines and skill-building
Resource: Parenting a Child with Autism
Finding Trusted Information
As you continue learning, stick with trusted, evidence-based sources. Your child's pediatrician and care team are your best partners. When you encounter new information online, ask yourself: Is this from a reputable medical organization? Does it align with what my doctor told me? Are they trying to sell me something?
Where to Find Support
Connect with local parent support groups, early intervention programs, school-based services, and online communities. Your child's doctor can help connect you with resources specific to your area.
You've Got This
You've taken an important step by completing this guide. You're learning, growing, and advocating for your child. That makes you exactly the parent your child needs.
Bookmark this content to revisit anytime. Remember: you're not alone, and we're cheering you on!