Health

How to Help Your Child if You Think They Might Have Autism

Published

3 years ago

February 3, 2023

Do you suspect your child might have autism, but you’re not sure? While only a professional diagnosis can tell you for sure, there are many ways you can support your child while you get a diagnosis and create a plan.

Here are some of the best ways to support a child you think might have autism.

Try a variety of therapies

While you’re in the process of getting a formal diagnosis, start trying different therapies with your child to see if anything resonates with your child. Every child with autism is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. There are several types of therapy you can try that are low-cost or free, including play therapy, speech therapy, floortime, ABA therapy, and more.

Although your child will need a formal Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis to get ABA therapy, it’s worth noting that once you have a diagnosis, you can get in-home therapy, which will make things easier on you and your child. Organizations like Golden Care Therapy in New Jersey will send an ABA therapist to your home to work with your child in their own environment. Getting in-home therapy will reduce the stress your child may feel from being in a new and unfamiliar place.

The more therapies you try, the better chance you have of getting a head start in supporting your child, whether or not they get diagnosed with autism.

Get your child some sensory toys

Kids with autism need to stim, which is just a fancy way of saying they need something to stimulate their senses in a way that allows them to mitigate and disburse the sensory overload they’re feeling. Without toys, kids will find ways to stim using just their bodies and their surroundings, but toys can be extremely helpful and less damaging depending on your child.

Every child is different, so it might take a bit to find toys they like. However, you can find some excellent suggestions from The Aspie World on YouTube. Some toys spin, squish, make noise, or are a series of magnets that can be reshaped. If your child is already fixated on certain types of toys, try to find something that matches their existing interest. For example, if they like soft textures, find some plush toys with a velvety-smooth texture. Try all types of toys to see if they help your child.

Seek a professional diagnosis

Getting a professional diagnosis is the best way you can support your child when you think they might have autism. Once you have a diagnosis, that opens the door to getting services that will help them immensely. Not just while they’re young, but it will help them in their adult life, too. For example, if your child moves out on their own, and they struggle with self-care and household chores, they’ll need a professional diagnosis to get in-home services from the state.

A professional diagnosis will tell you if your child is on the autism spectrum, or if they have a different disorder. Depending on the therapist you choose, they’ll likely be able to diagnose your child with any relevant comorbidities, which are common with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Learn about autism

Next to getting your child professionally diagnosed, learning about autism will help you support your child in many ways. There are many misconceptions about autism that can make it hard to spot the signs of autism. One of the best people to learn from is Tony Attwood. He’s considered the leading expert on Autism Spectrum Disorder and is extremely knowledgeable.

One of the most important things you can learn from Attwood is how to spot Autism in girls. For various reasons, it’s harder to spot autism in girls and some girls don’t get diagnosed until they’re in their 40s. Attwood gave an excellent talk about Asperger’s in girls back in 2015, and you’ll learn a lot from this speech.

Although Attwood’s speech focuses on Asperger’s, it is part of the autism spectrum. As a diagnosis, Asperger’s has been officially merged into the diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Support your child in every way you can

When you suspect your child might have autism, it’s important to support them in every way possible. While you’re seeking a professional diagnosis, start trying simple solutions, like play therapy and toys for stimming. See how they respond. Once you get a diagnosis, your child’s therapist will suggest next steps to help your child long-term.

Health

White Boogers in Babies: What They Mean and How to Keep Little Noses Clear

Published

3 hours ago

November 4, 2025

Michelle Langton

Spotting white boogers in your baby’s nose can make any parent pause and wonder if something’s wrong. Is it a cold? An allergy? Or just part of being a baby? In most cases, white mucus is perfectly normal—it’s your baby’s way of clearing out dust, dry air, or mild irritants. Unlike adults, babies can’t blow their noses, so even small buildups can make breathing sound stuffy or snuffly.

For safe and effective relief, a nasal aspirator for baby from Momcozy can be your best ally. It helps gently remove mucus without irritating delicate nasal passages, offering comfort and clear breathing in seconds. Understanding what white boogers indicate—and when to worry—helps parents handle congestion with confidence and care.

Just Mucus: What White Snot Tells You About the Nasal Passage

White boogers are often a sign of mild dryness or early-stage congestion. When mucus lacks enough moisture, it thickens and appears cloudy or white instead of clear. This is your baby’s natural defense system working to trap dust, germs, and other particles from the air.

The good news? White mucus typically means your baby’s body is managing irritants effectively. It’s not usually a sign of infection but rather a normal part of mucus production—especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.

The Anatomy of Dryness: Why White Boogers Are Often a Sign of Low Humidity

If your baby wakes up with white or crusty boogers, it may be because the air around them is too dry. Indoor heating, air conditioners, or even fans can lower humidity levels, drying out your baby’s nasal membranes.

Dry air thickens mucus, making it appear opaque or white. This can lead to mild congestion, snoring sounds, or harder boogers around the nostrils. Running a cool-mist humidifier near your baby’s crib helps maintain ideal moisture levels in the air and keeps nasal passages naturally clear and soft.

The Pre-Color Phase: Is White Mucus Just the Beginning of a Cold?

Sometimes, white mucus can indicate the very early stage of a common cold. When a virus first enters your baby’s system, the body produces thicker mucus to trap and remove it. During this phase, mucus may shift from clear to white before becoming yellow or green as immune cells become more active.

If your baby’s only symptom is mild congestion and no fever or fussiness, there’s usually no need to worry. Keep an eye on the mucus color and texture—if it thickens or changes color alongside symptoms like irritability or poor feeding, it might be time to consult your pediatrician.

How to Help: Gently Rehydrating the Nasal Airway with Saline Solution

Rehydrating your baby’s nasal passages is one of the simplest and safest ways to handle white boogers. Saline drops or sprays help loosen thick mucus, making it easier to remove.

Here’s how:

Lay your baby on their back with their head slightly tilted.
Apply one or two drops of saline into each nostril.
Wait about 30 seconds to allow the solution to soften the mucus.
Use a nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the mucus.

Repeat this process before feeding or sleep times to ensure your baby can breathe comfortably throughout the day and night.

Boosting the Environment: The Key Role of Humidifiers in Reducing Dry Mucus

A well-hydrated environment does wonders for preventing nasal dryness and white mucus. By maintaining optimal humidity levels (around 40–50%), you help keep your baby’s nasal membranes moist and functional.

Running a humidifier, especially during dry or cold months, is an effective preventive measure. It keeps mucus from hardening, making it less likely for your baby to develop congestion. Pair this with regular cleaning of the humidifier to prevent mold and bacteria growth that could worsen nasal irritation.

The “Milk Crud” Myth: Distinguishing White Mucus from Spit-Up or Formula Residue

Parents often confuse white boogers with dried milk or formula residue—especially if it’s seen near the nostrils or mouth. The difference lies in texture and location.

White mucus tends to be sticky and stretchy, while milk residue looks flaky or chalky. If your baby spits up frequently, it’s possible for small amounts of milk to reach the nasal area, especially during sleep.

Safe Removal Techniques: Getting Stubborn White Boogers Out Without Irritating the Nose

When boogers become hard or stuck, resist the urge to pick them out with your fingers or a cotton swab. This can scratch your baby’s delicate nasal lining and cause bleeding. Instead, soften the area first.

You can do this by:

Applying a few saline drops to loosen the mucus.
Running a steamy shower for a few minutes to let your baby inhale warm moisture.
Using a Momcozy nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the softened mucus.
Wiping the outside of the nostrils with a clean, damp cloth.

These steps ensure a safe and gentle cleaning process while avoiding any harm to your baby’s nose.

When to Check In: When White Snot Is Accompanied by Other Concerning Symptoms

White boogers alone are rarely a reason to panic, but if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Call your pediatrician if you notice:

Persistent nasal congestion lasting more than a week.
Difficulty breathing or feeding.
Fever or irritability.
Thick white mucus that turns yellow or green with time.

These signs may indicate an infection or allergy that needs professional attention. Always trust your instincts—if your baby seems uncomfortable or their breathing changes, getting checked is the best course of action.

Summary

In most cases, white boogers in babies are simply a sign of dryness or mild congestion, not illness. Your baby’s nose is just doing its job by trapping dust and debris. Keeping the air humid, using saline drops, and clearing mucus gently with a nasal aspirator for baby can prevent discomfort and ensure easy breathing.

However, it’s important to stay observant. If the white mucus persists, thickens, or is paired with symptoms like fever or poor feeding, contact your pediatrician. With regular nasal care, proper hydration, and the right tools, you can keep your baby’s tiny nose clear, healthy, and ready to take in every breath with ease.