Pediatrician Discusses: Autism Traits and Characteristics

In celebrating Autism Acceptance, this video discusses explanations of some of the characteristics of autism. I don't discuss every characteristic, so if you need any clarifications, please ask in the comment section. Unfortunately, I can't diagnose your child, so please ask general questions.

As you go through the video, remember that autism is a constellation of various traits. My goal is by the end of the video, you can recognize some of these traits. Recognizing these traits is important so you can speak to your child's clinician and get your child an evaluation if need be.

Here's what you will find in this video:
0:45: A little background on Autism Acceptance (Important reading: https://autisticnotweird.com/awarenes...)
1:34: When is Autism screening done at well-visits?
2:39: The importance of Early Intervention for development and being pro-intervention
3:29: What does neurotypical and neuroatypical mean?
4:26: The functional levels of Autism
5:41: The DSM V Criteria for Autism (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp...)
5:15: Highlighting a few of the characteristics parents often ask about
6:32: Eye contact
6:03: Responding to name
6:38: Joint attention (further reading: https://growingearlyminds.org.au/tips...)
7:39: Pretend play
8:02: Repetitive behaviors (movements)
8:25: What is echolalia?
8:57: Playing with parts of a toy
9:15: Ritualized behaviors
9:24: Hypersensitivity
10:24: Summary of which characteristics I discussed in this video
10:45: A Message about developmental concerns
10:59: The importance of looking at all these domains of characteristics, including impact on daily activities (such as sleep, eating, and tantrums).
12:12: Take Home Message
13:48: The important distinction between awareness and acceptance

Early Intervention resources:
https://www.zerotothree.org/espanol/e...
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/p...
https://www.understood.org/en/learnin...

Other resources:
https://awnnetwork.org/
https://theautisticats.weebly.com/

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