Welcome to Season 1, Episode 6 of The Parent Doctor Podcast. I’m your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill, a child psychiatrist and mom of two (www.theparentdoctor.com).

Today’s episode focuses on autism, a topic that’s both vast and vital. If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development, this episode is for you.

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I’ll be discussing the signs and symptoms of autism, such as limited eye contact, lack of shared attention, delayed speech, restricted interests, and sensory issues. Understanding these early indicators can help you seek timely intervention.

We’ll also explore the factors contributing to the increased diagnosis of autism, including increased awareness, changes in diagnostic criteria, and environmental factors. Importantly, I’ll debunk the myth that vaccines cause autism, explaining the fraudulent origins of this claim and emphasizing the safety and importance of vaccinations.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it can present in a variety of ways, from severe impairments to mild challenges. Early intervention, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, can significantly help children with autism. However, it’s essential to find the right treatments for your child, trust your gut, and be cautious of unsupported therapies.

I’ll share stories from my experience, highlighting the remarkable progress children can make with early and intensive support. Autism is unique for every individual, and recognizing this diversity is crucial for effective care and support.

For more resources, I recommend books like Temple Grandin’s story (the movie, starring Claire Danes is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video) and "Ito in Autism Land," as well as various supportive podcasts. Each state offers different services, so educating yourself and advocating for your child is key.

Thank you for joining me today. Please rate and review this podcast to help more parents find it. Visit my website, theparentdoctor.com, to send feedback or suggest topics for future episodes. Don’t forget to join my book club and sign up for my weekly newsletter.

Tune in next time when we discuss ADHD. Take care and see you in the next episode!

RESOURCES:

www.autismspeaks.org

https://www.nlacrc.org/publications-resources/support-groups/other-support-groups

https://beaminghealth.com/article/10-best-autism-podcasts-for-parents

Ages and Stages Questionnaire

UCLA program form kids ages 2-6