April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month to educate families, service providers and advocates on how to support the autism community. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental disability linked to challenges with communication skills and social development. Early identification and intervention by parents and pediatricians significantly improve overall development. The Florida Division of Early Learning website offers information on a range of services, resources and programs to help parents support their children’s development. These include family education videos, the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards and guides for parents of children birth to 3-years-old and 4-years-old to track children’s expected milestones as they grow. The Warm Line provides support and consultation to families and providers with children who have or may have autism or other special needs. Contact your local early learning coalition to locate a Warm Line Specialist in your area. The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) offers information on how to help children reach their highest potential and how to handle challenging behaviors in the home as well as in child care programs. CARD offers services at no cost to individuals and, through partnership with universities, has seven CARD sites throughout the state. Use this map feature to locate these sites.
Here are a few ways you can build and encourage your child’s social development:
- Focus on the “fun” in games. Choose a favorite family game and talk about how to take turns and appropriate ways to respond when winning or losing.
- Speak with your child about the importance of having fun while learning and enjoying the experience. Read books about how to be a good friend, help others and share.
- Provide your child opportunities to interact with peers. Promote activities that involve sharing and collaboration with others, like building a tower of blocks together.
If you have concerns or questions about your child’s development, contact your pediatrician.
