Recognizing Autism Spectrum Disorder

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can emerge very early in development, sometimes showing up within the first 12 months of life. Other children may be on track to meet developmental milestones up until 18 to 24 months, when they suddenly begin to regress or stop learning new developmentally appropriate skills. Common signs and symptoms of ASD may include difficulty with social interaction and communication, repetitive or restricted behaviors, and delayed communication, motor skills, or cognitive abilities.
 
This can look like:

• Avoiding or difficulty maintaining eye contact
• Not responding to their name
• Difficulty with pretend or imaginative play
• Lining up toys or objects in a specific manner
• Continually repeating words or phrases
• Flapping hands, rocking body, or walking on tip toes
• Difficulty transitioning between activities
• Sensitivity to sensory input (i.e., loud noises, lights, tags on clothing, etc.)

The signs of ASD can be identified through early screening and behavioral observation. The CDC Program,  “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” | CDC  has developed materials to assist parents and child care providers in monitoring development and recognizing when there is a cause for concern. Follow the link for Milestone Trackers, resources for engaging parents, and steps to take if you are concerned about a child’s development. If you have concerns about a child, please refer the family to their pediatrician as it is important to act early. Screening for ASD should occur at 18-, 24-, and 30-month well-child visits, or additionally if a concern has been expressed.

If a child in your care has a diagnosis of ASD, a Special Care Plan should be reviewed and signed by the child's Primary Care Provider, parent, and child care provider. Please see the following links for Special Care Plans:

DCYF Forms | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Microsoft Word - Special Care Plan for Child with Behavioral Problems 11-2-… (snohd.org)

Updates to the Washington State Food Code

Child care providers are required by WAC 110-300-0195 to follow the current Washington State Department of Health Food and Beverage Worker’s Manual. The Washington State Food Code has new updates went into effect on March 1, 2022. 

• Clean Up Plan for Vomit and Diarrhea – You must have written procedures for employees to follow when cleaning up vomit or fecal matter in areas where food is prepared or served. The Child Care Health Outreach Program is working on updating our model health policies with this information and creating a separate handout for child cares. They will be posted to our website when available.
• Active Managerial Control - This means that your facility has a person in charge of overseeing all food preparation and service. This “Person in Charge” should be able to answer any food safety questions and be responsible for training staff who are helping with food preparation and service, including those serving in the classrooms.
• Food Worker Health – Workers are required to report to either the Person in Charge or the Director if they have certain symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, or sore throat with fever, or if they are diagnosed with salmonella, shigella, Hepatitis A, or norovirus. Anyone with these symptoms or illnesses must be excluded.
• Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) Food – This is the new term for Potentially Hazardous Foods.
• Date Marking – Refrigerated TCS foods must be labeled with the date they were prepared or opened and must be used within 7 days.
• Cooking temperature for ground beef or pork – Cooking temperature increased from 155°F to 158°F.

You can find more information on Snohomish Health District’s Food Code Updates webpage.