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Based on recommendations from domestic and international experts, seven important early signs have been identified for parents to look out for. They are as follows: (1) By six months old: Lack of bright smiles or expressions of joy. (2) By nine months old: No interactive sounds, smiles, or facial expressions with others. (3) By twelve months old: No response when called by name. (4) By twelve months old: No babbling. (5) By twelve months old: No gesturing or pointing at objects, showing objects to others, reaching out to grab things, or waving. (6) By sixteen months old: No development of language. (7) By twenty-four months old: No meaningful two-word phrases (repeating or imitating others’ speech doesn’t count).

As parents, it is important to note that these signs only indicate a possibility of Autism. If a child exhibits these early signs, it is recommended to promptly seek professional medical assessment and begin relevant rehabilitation training. However, it is also important to remember that the presence of these signs does not definitively mean the child has Autism; they are just points of reference.

Generally, Autism can be diagnosed in pediatric departments of children’s hospitals, maternity and child health care hospitals, and psychiatric hospitals with pediatric units.

Some recognized authoritative diagnostic institutions include Peking University Sixth Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University Third Hospital.

According to a research report published by the National Autism Center in 2009, there are eleven scientifically proven treatment methods that are effective for children with Autism. These include Antecedent Package, Behavioral Package, Comprehensive Behavior Treatment for Young Children, Joint Attention Intervention, Modeling, Naturalistic Teaching Strategies, Peer Training Package, Pivotal Response Treatment, Schedules, Self-management, and Story-based Intervention Package. In simple terms, these are rehabilitation and education methods based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Some methods that are well-known among Chinese parents, such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children), Developmental, Individual-difference, Relationship-based approach (DIR), and Sensory Integration Therapy, are not included in these eleven methods. Therefore, we advise parents to prioritize and differentiate when choosing methods.

These assessments are usually filled out by parents based on their child’s actual situation. After interacting with the child, a professional behavior analyst can provide a relatively objective assessment result.

Parents are important communication partners for their children and serve as a vital medium for their social interaction. The inability to communicate can be distressing for both parents and children and may lead to inappropriate behaviors.

Parents need to learn how to communicate with their children and teach them communication skills. By teaching children some basic communication methods, parents can effectively reduce the occurrence of such behaviors. Specific strategies include: (1) Learn to observe the child’s behavior to understand their needs and functions. (2) Understand what interests the child the most and use it appropriately. (3) Learn behavior intervention strategies and avoid forcing the child to communicate. (4) Learn certain specialized communication skills, such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), which is a very effective communication tool.

Due to a lack of communication skills, children with Autism may engage in inappropriate behaviors to seek attention, obtain desired items, or avoid tasks they do not want to do.

As parents, it is important to know how to respond to different problem behaviors to prevent them from becoming the child’s inappropriate means of communication.

One crucial point is to intervene at the onset of the problem behavior, rather than waiting until it becomes a long-standing issue or escalates to severe harmful behaviors before finding a solution.

(1) Inform friends in advance about the behaviors your child may exhibit and what these behaviors represent. For example, if your child covers their ears and avoids eye contact when strangers greet them, it is their way of self-protection and reluctance to engage in communication. If the person continues to greet the child, it may trigger problem behaviors.You can inform your friends that a nod of the head is an acceptable way to greet your child, which can avoid awkward situations at gatherings.

(2) Let friends know that your child is not a troublemaker, but their behaviors need gradual guidance, and as a parent, you are already working on intervening.

(3) Some children may wander around in other people’s homes. Parents should ask in advance which rooms are off-limits or kindly request friends to lock rooms that should not be entered.

(4) If your child has food allergies, you can inform others in advance or proactively bring food to share with everyone.

With consistent scientific intervention and ongoing support, a significant portion of children with Autism can develop the ability to live independently and achieve self-sufficiency in supported employment environments. For children whose abilities are well developed and trained, they can achieve great accomplishments in certain areas and realize greater life value.

Children with Autism have the right to inclusive education protected by law. Due to the objective social communication and interaction barriers, children with Autism require scientific rehabilitation training and support in inclusive environments. The better the outcome of rehabilitation training, the smaller the barriers to receiving education.

(1) Never isolate yourself and your child. Let more people know and understand Autism. Keeping your child and yourself locked at home, avoiding communication with the outside world, is often because we feel embarrassed and don’t know how to handle unexpected situations with our child, or because our child has exhausted us.Learn to deal with these situations that make you feel helpless. Stand tall and enter society with your family and child.

(2) Don’t pay too much attention to the gaze or thoughts of those around you. We don’t need those negative things. If you feel inferior and unable to face others due to their gaze or behavior, think about the reasons behind it. If it is the latter, we need to adjust our mindset. As parents, we must first accept the differences in our children, which will gradually lead the people around us to accept them as well.

(3) Learn how to control your child’s difficult temper. This is not easy to achieve, but as parents, we must learn this for the sake of our family, our child, and the ability for all of us to live a normal life. Analyze and find appropriate ways for your child to express themselves. Know how to quickly calm them down in public. Sometimes, certain music, electronic devices, food, and communication aids can achieve this effect.

(4) Maintain a positive mindset, have a sense of humor, and engage in regular physical exercise. Pay attention to whether you are overworking yourself or on the verge of emotional exhaustion. Give yourself some breathing space when necessary. Only when parents have a good mental and physical state can they provide a relaxed and enjoyable environment for their child’s growth.