Actually, it is true that autism, specifically, cannot be accurately diagnosed until a child is 3-4. However, other issues can be and early intervention is important when necessary.

Don't try to diagnose, OP, just share specific observations of the things you notice and how frequently you observe them.

Anonymous wrote:Almost any medical professional will tell you that autism cannot be detected until the child is at LEAST 3-4... All children develop differently - especially when it comes to speech delays and physical delays. Early detection is awesome if autism is actually the case but if the child is improperly diagnosed will be harmful and more or less teach them to autistic rather than deter.

WTF?! Not true. At all. Early intervention is key. Any respectable "medical professional" will screen early and recommend intervention if indicated.

Anonymous wrote:If you have any kind of medical concern you should broach it by identifying a specific issue or issues you're worried about. So you might say, "Johnny seems to rock back and forth a lot when he's playing alone, have you guys noticed that? Has his doctor said anything about it?" I do this for physical and behavioral concerns - in fact, my bosses called me the night before DCs last dr's appt. to ask if I had anything I wanted them to talk to the doctor about - you just have to be careful not to label or diagnose. If there are a list of things, say he has been exhibiting some unusual behaviors recently, then name them, and ask if they've noticed and/or would they mention it to the doctor at his next check-up in case you need to be doing anything differently (**NOT** "in case something is wrong").

I think this general approach/advice is good - it's gentle, non-assumptive of a diagnosis, and gives the parents a chance to think about what you're noticing (or to share their own concerns).

Be gentle w/ the parents - they may very well already be extremely anxious/concerned and if you all can be on the same side for the child that's obviously the best scenario.

The PP who said autism type diagnoses can't be made this early is completely wrong. Early intervention can make all the difference in the world for people on the autism spectrum so I think you are obligated to start the conversation with the parents. Good for you. And good luck - I hope that it's nothing, but if it is something catching it now will make a major difference for the child.

Anonymous wrote:Unless the family asked for my input, I would simply keep my lips zipped. Families do not unsolicited advice and you could lose your job over it as many families are in denial if their child has a problem.

I am not saying I agree with doing this, but unfortunately that is the way it works in the Nanny world.

I understand. However, sometimes it comes down to the good of the child vs. a nannies job. What's really more important? Nannies can find another job.

Anonymous wrote:OP, what sorts of symptoms do you see?

Little to no speech, mostly grunts.
Lack of eye contact.
Rocking.
Easily agitated if interrupted in activities.
Sensory issues, sensitivity to sound and touch.

He screams autism to me, if not autism some sort of neurological disorder.

OP, what sorts of symptoms do you see?

Unless the family asked for my input, I would simply keep my lips zipped. Families do not unsolicited advice and you could lose your job over it as many families are in denial if their child has a problem.

I am not saying I agree with doing this, but unfortunately that is the way it works in the Nanny world.

Anonymous wrote:Almost any medical professional will tell you that autism cannot be detected until the child is at LEAST 3-4... All children develop differently - especially when it comes to speech delays and physical delays. Early detection is awesome if autism is actually the case but if the child is improperly diagnosed will be harmful and more or less teach them to autistic rather than deter.

This is patently false.

Early intervention in the toddler years can make the difference between being able to function in society and struggling to do so. While an official diagnosis may not be available for several years, specific behavioral intervention can be targeted as early as the behaviors are identified.

PP this is somewhat breaking science, so I understand if you're not familiar with it, but early detection and intervention will NEVER "teach" a child to be autistic. That's an incredibly ignorant thing to say.

Pp here, excuse my spelling errors - on my phone!

Almost any medical professional will tell you that autism cannot be detected until the child is at LEAST 3-4... All children develop differently - especially when it comes to speech delays and physical delays. Early detection is awesome if autism is actually the case but if the child is improperly diagnosed will be harmful and more or less teach them to autistic rather than deter.

If you have any kind of medical concern you should broach it by identifying a specific issue or issues you're worried about. So you might say, "Johnny seems to rock back and forth a lot when he's playing alone, have you guys noticed that? Has his doctor said anything about it?" I do this for physical and behavioral concerns - in fact, my bosses called me the night before DCs last dr's appt. to ask if I had anything I wanted them to talk to the doctor about - you just have to be careful not to label or diagnose. If there are a list of things, say he has been exhibiting some unusual behaviors recently, then name them, and ask if they've noticed and/or would they mention it to the doctor at his next check-up in case you need to be doing anything differently (**NOT** "in case something is wrong").

I wouldn't necessarily tell them that you think the child has autism, but I would casually mention to them what you have seen over time that could be symptoms of it.

If the child doesn't seem to notice when you are talking to them and asking questions, then mention this and ask if the child does this with the parents as well or maybe it is just with you? It will let them know you have been paying attention over time and thought it was odd enough to bring it up to them, and will let them think and see if it is something that happens with them too (that they never noticed before perhaps). I wouldn't put the words "autism" or on the "autistic spectrum" out there, as that might seem to them that you are trying to diagnose their child or might spook them (and what happens if the child isn't autistic?).

I would leave it at that, let them take a list of these things to their child's doctor and discuss with him/her if this could be something serious and what they should keep watching out for in the future etc.

That can be a slippery slope with some parents. I suggest you do talk to them about it, but instead of approaching it as "I think X is on the autism spectrum", maybe just come forward with your specific concerns. "I just wanted to know if you've noticed X doing...blablabla". Good luck!

Would you approach a parent if you believed their child had a medical issue? If so, how would you approach them with respect? My 20-month-old charge shows signs of autism, but I don't know if I should mention anything? I am obviously not a doctor, but do have lots of experience with autistic children. I don't want to seem like I know more, but it is concerning.