How your developmental pediatrician in Monmouth County, New Jersey can help

You want your child to be healthy, both medically and developmentally. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to your child’s continuing good health. Autism is a developmental disorder which can be difficult to detect. That’s why it’s important to schedule a visit with your child’s developmental pediatrician at the first signs of a problem. Dr. Alison Smoller at Developmental Pediatrics of Central Jersey in Oakhurst, New Jersey can help you and your child. She proudly serves residents from all over the state of New Jersey including Pennsylvania and she can help your family too.

According to the National Autism Association, the signs and symptoms of autism can vary, ranging from mild to severe. A child can appear completely normal up to age 2 and then lose any developmental achievements, resulting in regression to anti-social symptoms. There are some early signs of autism that are important to recognize. You need to pay attention to when your child:

• Doesn’t respond to their name being called
• Doesn’t show any interest in objects or things
• Avoids eye contact and wants to be alone
• Doesn’t understand feelings of others or their own
• Doesn’t speak or shows delayed speech
• Repeats the same words and phrases
• Gets upset by changing events
• Performs actions repeatedly like hand clapping, spinning, or rocking
• Has problems socializing and talking with others
• Doesn’t like physical contact with others
• Exhibits fears and anxiety about unusual things
• Has obsessive habits like lining up toys or playing with toys the same way

If your child exhibits any of the signs of autism, your developmental pediatrician Dr. Smoller can administer a screening procedure specifically to identify autism. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should receive the screening at both 18 months and 24 months old. The screening can easily be included in regularly scheduled well-child visits.

If you believe your child is demonstrating the early signs of autism, it’s important to seek out help from an expert at diagnosis and treatment. Don’t try to tackle autism alone. To get help, just pick up the phone and call Dr. Alison Smoller at Developmental Pediatrics of Central Jersey, serving residents from all over the state of New Jersey including Pennsylvania. Call today!