Top 10 Questions Parents Ask Us at Seattle Children’s Autism Center

Questions? We get questions! With so much still not understood about ASD, our answers often don’t come close to what parents want to hear, yet we do our best to share what we do know and what we don’t know. Today we share some of the questions we hear most often at our center.

1. What caused my child’s autism?

We don’t know for every child. We’re working on it. But we do know that genetics is playing a very strong role in what causes autism. In fact, scientists can now identify the genetic contribution in nearly half of all children with a diagnosis of autism.

2. Did I do anything to cause it?

No. Although many parents feel guilty and worry about this, it is important to realize that you did nothing to cause autism.

3. Can autism be “cured”?

No. Treatments aim to improve functioning, but will not cure autism.

4. Will my child ever talk?

We just don’t know. Some kids with autism do, some never do. However, we do know that there are fewer children with autism who are minimally verbal than there used to be, likely a result of earlier intervention and behaviorally-based treatment?

5. What will my child’s future be like?

Unfortunately we are not able to predict with certainty what a child’s future will be. However, we do know that kids with ASD do make progress in skill development and overall functioning so continuing to help your child learn and grow is important. It’s hard to imagine your young child as an adult but keep hopeful your child and you will be different in years to come. Parents of teens and young adults often attest to this?

6. Do I have to do everything you’ve recommended to us?

No. You’re the expert on your family and the best recommendations are those that fit with your family’s values and capabilities. We provide you with a number of recommendations knowing that only you can decide what you can and cannot do. You might ask your provider to prioritize those that you feel you are able to do. There are many variables that come into play such as insurance coverage, access to services, financial ability, and competing demands in your life.

7. How do I get my child to stop (fill in the blank with your child’s challenging behavior)?

You may never get your child to completely stop. The core behaviors associated with ASD are stubborn and difficult to treat. However, behaviorally-based interventions can be effective in addressing challenging behaviors, reducing those disruptive behaviors, and increasing appropriate behaviors.

8. Is there a medication to help my child with (fill in the blank with your child’s challenging behavior)?

Maybe. There are a number of medications that have been supported by the scientific literature to help address behaviors that are sometimes associated with autism. For example, to reduce self-injurious and aggressive behavior, medications have been shown to be effective. Similarly, many of the medications that are used to treat depression and anxiety in children without autism work may well for children with autism. Medications to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity can also be effective at reducing those behaviors in autism. Keep in mind, there is no medication that cures autism or that works for every child in addressing challenging behaviors. Work with your provider to assess your child’s unique issues.

9. How do I get my child’s school to (fill in the blank with what you wish your child’s school would do)?

Educate yourself and them, pull together resources for yourself (i.e.: an education ombuds, Wrights Law, fellow parents), approach them with a spirit of collaboration and partnership, be realistic in your expectations, and be respectfully persistent, citing precedents if possible.

10. How do I explain autism to others?

You can tell them that it is a developmental disorder that affects social and language skills and often includes repetitive behaviors, specific interests, and/or sensory sensitivity. Our blog is also a good resource to help people understand ASD. In particular, two blogs on why our kids do what they do might be helpful. (Why Do Kids With Autism Do That? Part I and Why Do Kids With Autism Do That? Part II)