Hophena Hub Consult.

Most children in Africa are taken for Autism evaluation and diagnosis only when the children are not meeting the expected age appropriate school demands or social demands.
I have seen Children who have not said a single word at age three in regular schools because their parents feel all is well and are hoping they could start talking when they see other children their age talk.
As an advocate for early intervention for Children with Autism; I would love to say that you don't need to wait till your child is unable to cope in school before seeking for professional help.

Today we would look at some of the Early signs of Autism in children in the first two years of their life.

DISCLAIMER: The Early signs of Autism in children written in this post can also be seen in children without Autism so please don't use this as diagnosis for your child, if you have any concerns please reach out to your Doctor, call me or any other specialist for a proper assessment and Diagnosis.

Now that we are on the same page let's proceed.

Early Signs of Autism at age One.

1.Not responding to their name.
2.Not turning to their mother's voice.
3.Not smiling when you smile at them.
4. Have no blabbing or pointing at age one.

Early signs of Autism at age Two:

1.They don't follow movement of object or follow your finger when you point or move it left to right.

2. No words by 16 months.

3.No pretend play at age two.

4. No two words phrase at age two.

Again let's not forget that children without Autism can also behave this way.
If you have concerns about your child please check with your Doctor first.

We are still in the month of April which is Autism Awareness Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) is a developmental disability that appears during the first three years of a child's life.

A child with Autism MAY display some of the following :

1.Difficulty expressing what they want or need.

2. May be non- Verbal.

3. May line up objects.

4. May have difficulties engaging in pretend play.

5. May appear to have no fear of danger.

6. May insist on things and routines being the same.

7. May not reach developmental milestone on time.

8. May avoid cuddling.

9. May exhibit self injurious behavior when upset. Example: biting his or herself, banging head or punching face.

10. May spin his/ herself or objects, flap arms, run constantly or make odd body movement.

11. May avoid eye contact.

12. May have inappropriate attachment to objects.

13. Prolonged repetitive play.

14. May have over or under sensitivity to pain.

PLEASE JUST BECAUSE A CHILD SHOWS SOME OF THESE SIGNS DOESN'T MEAN HE OR SHE HAS AUTISM. The best thing to do is to get the child screened if you have concerns about the child.

You can reach out to me OR Visit SUPER KIDS ACADEMY located at No 6 Ngutor Neryum Street. Behind international Market. Makurdi, Benue state.

2nd April is a day set aside to celebrate the World Autism Awareness Day(WAAD). The theme for 2021 is: INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN A POST- PANDEMIC WORLD.
It doesn't end today, we have the whole month of April to raise awareness and promote acceptance of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in our Society.

Today is children's day, and i celebrate all the Children, most especially the special needs children.
Today, i celebrate children with disabilities in Benue state and Nigeria at large.
Today, i celebrate children with neurological disorders, they are sometimes mistaken as been stubborn.
Today, i also celebrate children with dyslexia who struggle with learning. Remember dyslexia is the most common learning disability,it affects 1 in 5 kids.
As i celebrate the children, i also appreciate their parents, guardians and caregivers.
Happy children's day.

#01.

Some of the things i hear:
*My child is just slow.
* My doctor says she will out grow the challenge.
* His/ her siblings are smart he/she will catch up.
You MAY be right but please while Waiting for the child to outgrow seek other help like early intervention , special education services or other forms of therapy that will help the child.

Are you worried about your child's Learning?
Is your child's learning affected by the following?
*Autism spectrum disorder.
* Developmental delay.
*Speech delay.
*Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).
*Dyslexia
*Dysgraphia
*Dyscalculia.

Then contact Hophena Hub Consult. located at No 6, Ngutor Neryum street, Behind International market Makurdi. Or call 08057599186.