Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves behavioral, social, and communication problems. Typically, doctors do not evaluate children for autism due to their immaturity—their behaviors are usually inconsistent. By working at a preschool, I have learned to identify behavioral, social, and communication differences that may lead to the diagnosis of autism. Based on a possibly autistic child’s needs, I have also learned to change the classroom experience and the importance of early intervention. Being employed at a preschool, I work with a child named Ava, who is currently being treated for possible autism. Due to confidentiality, I am not using the child’s real name. Doctors prefer not to diagnose a child with autism at a young age because of …show more content…
A therapist works with Ava as if she has autism, but this therapy does not downgrade her, it helps her to reach the developmental level of her peers. Ava requires more attention than her peers, but being in a classroom with fourteen others makes this difficult. She does not speak at the level a three-year-old should, which creates a barrier between her and me; therefore, I have become a very observant and patient person. Ava’s behavior was the first red flag that I noticed. Ava is an energetic three-year-old, but what three-year-old is not? Consequently, this does not make naptime easy. She constantly runs around the classroom because she cannot keep still—almost as if her brain cannot either. This behavior is common for a three-year-old, but the consistency of this behavior is uncommon. As the school year progresses, children tend to learn the rules and understand acceptable and unacceptable behavior, but I have not noticed this realization with Ava. During naptime, I constantly remind Ava to lay on her mat, but she kicks or hits me each time I correct her. Researchers have proven that children with autism typically have a difficult time going to sleep or waking up due to the influence of the behavioral characteristics