Signs can vary, but some common indicators in young children include:

1. Not responding to their name.
2. Avoiding eye contact.
3. Limited use of gestures.
4. Delays in spoken language.
5. Repeating words or phrases.
6. Unusual reactions to sounds, textures, tastes, or smells.
7. Repetitive movements like hand-flapping or rocking.
8. Intense interest in specific topics.
9. Difficulty with pretend play.
10. Appearing to prefer solitary play.

In Older Children, signs might include:

1. Difficulty understanding social stimuli & emotions.
2. Challenges making & keeping friends.
3. Strict adherence to routines and difficulty with changes.
4. Unusual speech patterns.

It's important to note that some children without autism may show some of these signs. A professional evaluation is necessary for diagnosis.

The specific causes are not fully understood; however, research suggests it develops from a combination of genetic & environmental factors.

1. Genetic Factors: Autism tends to be hereditary, and specific gene changes have been identified that increase the risk. However, most cases likely involve a combination of multiple genes.
2. Environmental Factors: Several environmental factors may have a potential role in increasing autism risk :
   • Advanced parental age at the time of conception.
   • Prenatal exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides.
   • Maternal health conditions during pregnancy (obesity, diabetes, immune system disorders)
   • Prematurity or very low birth weight.
   • Birth complications leading to oxygen deprivation.

It is important to understand that these are possible risk factors and having/being exposed to them does not guarantee developing ASD.

You're always welcome to reach out — we’d love to hear from you! To schedule an appointment for a child or toddler at Tayf Autism Center, you can:

• Contact us throgh whatsapp number: +1 425 442 1469
• Email us: tayfautismcenter@outlook.com
  Our office hours are 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday.

While Tayf is not primarily a diagnostic center for ASD, our team collaborates closely with families and healthcare professionals to support the assessment process and help identify each child’s unique needs. Preparing for your child's autism assessment can help the process go smoothly and provide the evaluation team with valuable information. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Gather information: Collect any relevant medical records, developmental assessments, school reports, or previous evaluations your child has had.
2. Document observations: Write down specific examples of your child's behaviors, social interactions, and communication patterns that are concerning you. Note when these behaviors occur and in what situations.
3. Make a list of questions: Prepare a list of questions you have for the evaluation team.
4. Talk to your child: If your child is old enough, explain to them what will happen during the assessment in a way they can understand. You can use social stories or simple language.
5. Bring comfort items: Bring your child's favorite toys, snacks, or comfort items to help them feel more at ease during the evaluation.
6. Consider bringing someone with you: Having a supportive partner, family member, or friend can be helpful for taking notes and providing emotional support.

Be prepared to answer questions: The evaluation team will ask you detailed questions about your child's developmental history and current behaviors.

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions, and it's important to know that Tayf is here to help you and your child navigate the next steps. Here's what you can expect and how we can support you:

1. Educate yourself: Continue to learn as much as you can about autism from reliable sources. Understanding the condition will empower better support to your child.
2. Connect with Tayf's Support System: Our team of experienced professionals at Tayf can provide guidance, resources, and tailored support.
3. Explore Tayf's Intervention Services: We will work with you to understand your child's strengths and challenges and recommend appropriate interventions, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized educational support.
4. Develop a Personalized Plan: Together with you, we will create a personalized plan that outlines goals & strategies supporting your child's development.
5. Build a Collaborative Partnership: We believe in working closely with families. Your insights & involvement are crucial to your child's progress and we will collaborate with you every step of the way.
6. Advocate for Your Child: We can provide you with information and resources to help you advocate for your child's needs in educational and other settings.
7. While Tayf offers significant support, active participation from your family is also key. This includes consistently implementing strategies at home, celebrating your child's achievements, and maintaining open communication with our team.