The prevalence of autism is growing, making screening tools to determine where a child falls on the autistic spectrum more important than ever. It is now recommended that all children receive autism screening. There are varying levels of screening, including initial screening and in-depth testing. Here is what you need to know about the available tests and what they mean.The M-CHAT, or Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, is the first line of autism screening. It is recommended for all toddlers by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is a very basic checklist of developmental milestones designed for toddlers between the ages of sixteen and thirty months. The M-CHAT uses the range of normal behavioral and developmental milestones at each age and screens for any possible delays or the existence of autistic traits.

The test is a standard part of a well-child checkup, and can unobtrusively be incorporated into the exam with a simple checklist. Your pediatrician will know how to interpret the results and whether further testing is indicated. Falling behind on one or two measures is not a cause for alarm, as all children will reach different milestones at different times and certain verbal and communication-related milestones may be given more weight in determining autistic traits.

If further testing is required to determine your child’s need for services or not, the VB-MAPP is a much more in-depth look at the verbal abilities of your child. The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program screens for over 170 components of speech and language development, including measures such as social and independent play, listening skills, verbal matching, and many more. This comprehensive testing not only accurately assesses where your child’s strengths and weaknesses lie, it provides distinct guidelines for treatments and therapies to help your child’s progress.

Understanding available testing for autistic traits and what it means for your child and family is an invaluable tool in helping your child to overcome their challenges and be the best they can be.

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If the child in the spectrum is the oldest child siblings tend to feel more neglected that those that are older than the sibling with autism. It seems that if the sibling is high functioning, the feelings of neglect are lessened, but either scenario brings lack of attention to the younger child. Siblings and autism do not function well together if a younger child is affected either. The older sibling normally is asked to mature and take on responsibilities beyond their age. Becoming a care taker of a child with special needs is not a normal sibling function, so resentment will be forthcoming.

Many children in two parent families who have a sibling with autism feel closer to one parent and show hostility towards the parent who seems to cater to the autism. However, in single parent homes, the child who is not afflicted tends to be more protective of both the parent and the sibling. Each scenario is different of course, but siblings and autism is always a more one sided situation than a traditional sibling situation. There will be missed ball games and functions for the child who is not autistic just because of the needs of the sibling. Family functions can never be the same once autism is introduced, so siblings feel hurt.

Some siblings embrace the fact that they are not a child of special needs and many find careers that cater to helping people with special needs. But on the other hand, some lash out and are resentful of never having a sibling to tell secrets to or being able feel the sibling bond. Unfortunately, the scene of how autism and siblings will play out is as difficult to predict as the autism itself.

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Autism is a developmental brain disorder that affects normal brain functions. This neurological condition affects a person’s reasoning, social skills and communication skills. The condition becomes apparent during the first 3 years of a child’s life. Because areas of the brain have difficulties working together, children with autism will have challenges in relating and communicating with others. Those afflicted with the disorder may still be able to reach their full potential with an early diagnosis and effective treatment.

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