14/08/2026
This right here …
🚨Not so fun fact: More than 50% of parents of autistic children have had their concerns/observations dismissed when they first spoke up.
Also true: Many Autistic kids struggle (slightly or obviously) at the beginning of the school year and then mask the rest of the year. Now is a good time to pay close attention for the high maskers ❤️
Many were told:
“They’re fine.”
“That’s normal.”
“Let’s wait and see.”
Some parents had to bring up concerns 3 or more times before getting a referral, and on average, there’s a 2–3 year gap between first concerns and autism diagnosis.
Dismissal happens even more when a child:
• speaks well
• does well in school
• is “well behaved”
• is a girl
• masks or internalizes
But we know research shows parents usually notice differences early. And parent concern is one of the most reliable early indicators of developmental needs.
“Wait and see” and “they’re fine” doesn’t reduce worry, and certainly doesn’t help kids. It delays support.
If you are a professional reading this, please do not dismiss parent concerns when it comes to Autism. You can say, “I haven’t thought Autism before now, but if you see traits, an evaluation would be a good idea”
And if you are a parent currently experiencing this, let this be a sign to trust your gut and go for that evaluation or second opinion. ❤️❤️
