Mutterings Of A Mindless Mommy

When I first started down the road to an autism diagnosis I was researching developmental delays. Autism is a Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) so developmental delays are par for the course. This was definitely the case with my daughter. Once we had her professionally assessed she was basically delayed across the board; again not uncommon with children who have autism spectrum disorders. Here are some of the links that I found most beneficial while figuring out where my daughter stood with regards to developmental milestones.

• Developmental Delay Resources - An absolute fantastic site, a wealth of knowledge is available on topics ranging from autism, to ADHD, to sensory issues; my #1 favorite link on developmental delays
• American Academy of Pediatrics Developmental Stages - A variety of developmental information at a variety of ages from the ultimate source for pediatric knowledge
• First Signs - Lists some early red flags or warning signs for developmental delays, including autism, that you may see in your child
• IVillage.com’s Developmental Delays Message Board - A wonderful resource for me when I was first starting out; being able to talk to other parents who have been down your path is priceless

Your pediatrician should be following your child’s development and should be open to conversation about any concerns you may have. If they feel that it is necessary they may refer you to an Early Intervention service in your area for a full assessment. Early intervention services vary from state-to-state within the United States and also vastly vary depending on the country that you are in. Your pediatrician should have contact information available for you.