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What is autism?

A woman telling the little girl a story

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions and social communication and by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior.

Could My Child Have Autism? 

According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States will be diagnosed with autism each year. If your child exhibits any of the behaviors listed above, it is possible that he or she may be diagnosed on the autism spectrum. 

Diagnosing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be challenging and complex. The most important thing you can do is consult a professional if you think your child is displaying atypical behavior.

Recognizing the Signs of Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects individuals differently, and early signs can appear between 12 months and later. These signs can vary widely from child to child, with some children showing signs early, while others may not exhibit noticeable symptoms until they are older. Early detection is crucial for effective intervention and improving developmental outcomes.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY AUTISM DETECTION

“After one year of intervention… children (aged 15-35 months) improved significantly in their verbal ability, and the severity of autism symptoms was reduced.”

– Research in “Autism Spectrum Disorders 5” 2011-345-350

How Early Can Autism Be Diagnosed? Symptoms To Monitor by Age

Signs of autism can start appearing anywhere between 1 to 9 months.

Children with autism may find it challenging to play outdoor games, learn specific skills, and communicate with friends and family. According to recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 children suffers from autism spectrum disorder.

Early Signs
A man teach the toddler how to write

Core Signs and Behaviors of Children Affected by Autism

Impaired Social Communication Skills

  • Difficulty responding to their name
  • Limited or absent eye contact
  • Lack of interest in interacting with others
  • Difficulty sharing interests or pointing at objects
  • May prefer isolation or avoid social interaction

Impaired Communication Skills

  • Not babbling or using gestures by 12 months
  • Limited speech development (no words by 16 months, no two-word phrases by 24 months)
  • Difficulty speaking with typical rhythm, pitch, and volume

Repetitive or Restricted Behaviors

  • Focus on parts of objects (e.g., wheels of a car, fans)
  • Engaging in repetitive actions (e.g., hand flapping, rocking, toe walking)
  • Resistance to changes in routine or environment

Other Behavioral Concerns

  • Sensory sensitivities (e.g., being over- or under-sensitive to light, sound, or textures)
  • Extreme meltdowns or tantrums
  • Sleep disturbances or irregular sleeping patterns
A woman carrying a baby with autism

Signs of Autism in Babies and Toddlers

Recognizing autism in children younger than 2 years can be challenging, but early detection is critical. Here are some key signs:

At 6 Months:

  • Limited or absent smiles, few joyful facial expressions
  • Limited eye contact
  • Ignoring unfamiliar people

At 9 Months:

  • Limited imitation of sounds or facial expressions
  • No laughter, smiles, or interest in objects

At 12 Months:

  • No babbling or meaningful gestures (e.g., waving, pointing)/li>
  • No response to their name or common activities/li>

At 16 Months:

  • Difficulty speaking, few words
  • Limited movement (e.g., walking, crawling) or repetitive movements

At 24 Months:

  • No meaningful words or two-word phrases
A child tried to write something on a paper

Signs of Autism in Children Over 2 Years

As children grow, the signs become more noticeable. Here are some key behaviors to monitor:

Social Interactions:

  • Limited interest in others, difficulty making friends
  • Does not engage in group games or activities
  • Difficulty understanding others’ feelings and emotions

Speech and Language:

  • Unusual pitch or rhythm when speaking
  • Repeating the same words or phrases
  • Difficulty communicating needs or understanding simple statements

Non-Verbal Communication:

  • Avoiding eye contact or inappropriate facial expressions
  • Not responding to or using gestures like pointing or waving
  • Sensitivity to sensory stimuli (e.g., sounds, lights)

Behavioral Challenges:

  • Rigid behavior, difficulty adapting to changes
  • Unusual attachment to specific objects
  • Repetitive actions or intense focus on a single activity for extended periods

Why Early Diagnosis and Intervention Are Crucial

Early intervention is key to improving the quality of life and developmental outcomes for children with autism. Research has shown that children who receive intensive therapy (from 15 to 35 months) see improvements in communication and social skills. Delays in diagnosis can hinder access to supportive therapies, so early recognition is essential.

How to Get Started: What Parents Can Do
  • Observe Developmental Milestones: Track your child’s social, emotional, and communication development. Be attentive to how they interact and communicate.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Parents are often the first to notice when their child develops differently. Trust these instincts and seek advice or evaluations if something feels off.
  • Consult a Pediatrician or Specialist: If you have concerns, schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or developmental specialist who can recommend appropriate assessments.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Autism
  • Observe Developmental Milestones: Track your child’s social, emotional, and communication development. Be attentive to how they interact and communicate.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Parents are often the first to notice when their child develops differently. Trust these instincts and seek advice or evaluations if something feels off.
  • Consult a Pediatrician or Specialist: If you have concerns, schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or developmental specialist who can recommend appropriate assessments.

“Medicine, psychology, education, and other fields of study are consistently coming to the same conclusion — evidence-based practice is critical for effective treatment and care.”

Dr. Susan M. Wilczynski / Professional Advisory Board Member, National Autism Center

The Importance of Early Autism Detection

Autism can manifest in various ways and with different levels of severity. The earlier autism is detected, the better the chance for effective intervention and support. Parents, being the first to notice potential concerns, play a vital role in seeking early diagnosis. If you notice any signs or have Research shows that children who receive early intervention (such as ABA therapy) show significant improvements in verbal skills and a reduction in autism symptoms. Early diagnosis is a critical first step toward long-term success.

Where to Start

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician. They can provide a developmental screening or refer you to specialists for a formal evaluation. A comprehensive diagnostic process will help determine whether your child is showing signs of autism spectrum disorder. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the quicker an individualized treatment plan can be implemented, giving your child the best chance for development and success.

Getting Diagnosed with Autism

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children, particularly young children, can be complex. If you notice behaviors that seem atypical, it’s essential to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis allows for earlier intervention, which can lead to better developmental outcomes.

Take a Developmental Screening Test

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, a screening test can help assess if further evaluation is needed. Take the M-CHAT screening test for autism risk.

The Leader in ABA Therapy

At Beyond The Spectrum (BTS) ABA Therapy, our trained ABA therapists offer individualized programs designed to meet your child’s unique needs. ABA therapy allows children to make significant strides in development through tailored one-on-one sessions, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Contact Us

If you’re concerned about your child’s development, our team is here to help. We offer ABA therapy services that are tailored to each child’s unique needs, allowing for individualized care and support. For more information or to schedule an assessment, please contact us:

Beyond The Spectrum (BTS) ABA Therapy 678-404-7365 https://www.btsabatherapy.com info@btsabatherapy.com
3155 Northpoint Pkwy., Suite F-100 Alpharetta, GA 30005

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