If your child has just been diagnosed, or you suspect autism and are waiting for an evaluation, the most useful thing to know is this: you don’t need a perfect plan to begin. You need to begin.
Why early matters
A young child’s brain is building connections at a pace it never matches again, and support during those years builds on that momentum. Studies of early developmental and behavioral programs show gains in communication, learning and daily living skills, which is why pediatricians screen for autism at 18 and 24 months.
What early intervention includes
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy for sensory, motor and self-care skills
- Developmental and behavioral programs, often play-based
- Coaching for parents, who do most of the teaching at home
Getting services in Illinois
For children under three, the state’s Early Intervention program provides evaluations and therapy, and you can refer your own child without waiting for a doctor. From age three, your local school district takes over through early childhood special education. Start both conversations as early as you can, because waiting lists are common.
Where brain-based care fits
Proven therapies come first. A qEEG brain map can add information about how your child’s brain is working once they can tolerate a short recording. TMS for autism is off-label, and research in very young children is limited, so we consider it case by case and never as a replacement for the therapies above.
Look after yourself too
Early intervention is a marathon run by parents. Our psychotherapy team works with families as well as children, and asking for support is part of doing this well.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your own clinician about your child or yourself.