According to the CDC, about 1 in 88 children in the United States falls into the autism spectrum. If your child has autism, you should pay a visit to your local Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor. It is not uncommon for autistic children to suffer from maladies that can be diagnosed and treated by an otolaryngologist. By doing this, you may be able to help your child overcome some of the obstacles they face, and it might even help with any self-injurious behavior. It can be very difficult to pinpoint what it bothering your autistic child due to communication issues, so you want to make sure that there is not a medical reason behind some of your child’s behavior. That’s where the link between autism and otolaryngology comes in.
It is not uncommon for children with autism to have ear, nose and throat issues. However, being able to pinpoint and correct any of these issues may have a positive impact on their behavior and development. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, here are some of the ways autism and otolaryngology work together. Paying a visit to an ENT doctor may help your autistic child on his or her road to recovery.
• Does your autistic child have bad allergies? Allergies may contribute to behavioral issues.
• Does your autistic child have consistent ear infections? Ear infections may contribute to behavioral issues and language delay.
• Does your autistic child have enlarged tonsils and adenoids? Enlarged adenoids and tonsils can affect your child’s ability to speak and may also contribute to behavioral issues.
• Does your autistic child have sleep apnea? Sleep apnea may contribute to behavioral and developmental issues.
• If your autistic child has a language delay, there is a chance that problems with their hearing could be the culprit. Make sure your child has a thorough hearing evaluation, as hearing problems can be a contributor to delays in language and can greatly hamper any success in learning and communication.
Keep in mind that this may not help every autistic child, but it is a good place to start. In addition, using this information might also be helpful when autism is suspected. According to the Journal of Early Intervention, children with autism have a greater number of ear infections than their neuro-typical peers. Knowing the potential early signs of autism, what can help, and the link between autism and otolaryngology allows for early intervention and can aid greatly in their overall quality of life and development.