Parent Resources
Every child grows at their own pace. Still, many parents have a moment when something feels different. Maybe your toddler doesn’t answer to their name, or your preschooler gets very upset over small changes. You might wonder whether it’s autism, or whether you’re worrying too much.
This article explains some common early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and what to do if you notice them. Only a qualified professional can diagnose autism, but knowing the signs can help you decide when to ask for an evaluation.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
The CDC describes autism spectrum disorder as a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with autism often have challenges with social communication and interaction, along with restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. They may also learn, move or pay attention in different ways. (CDC: Signs and Symptoms of ASD)
Autism is a spectrum, so it looks different in every child. The CDC also notes that children with autism may not show all, or any, of the example behaviors listed below, and that some children without autism show some of them too.
Social communication and interaction signs
The CDC lists examples of social communication signs, with the ages when many children are expected to reach these skills. A child may:
- Avoid eye contact or not keep it
- Not respond to their name by 9 months of age
- Not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry or surprised by 9 months
- Not play simple back-and-forth games like pat-a-cake by 12 months
- Use few or no gestures, such as waving goodbye, by 12 months
- Not share interests with others, such as showing you a toy they like, by 15 months
- Not point to show you something interesting by 18 months
- Not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months
- Not notice other children or join them in play by 3 years
- Not pretend play, like being a teacher or superhero, by 4 years
- Not sing, dance or act for you by 5 years
Restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests
The CDC also lists behaviors or interests that can seem unusual. A child may:
- Line up toys or objects and get upset when the order is changed
- Repeat words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
- Play with toys the same way every time
- Focus on parts of objects, like the wheels on a toy car
- Get upset by minor changes
- Have very intense or narrow interests
- Need to follow certain routines
- Flap their hands, rock their body or spin in circles
- React strongly or unusually to how things sound, smell, taste, look or feel
Other things you might notice
According to the CDC, many children with autism also have related challenges. These can include delayed language, movement or learning skills; hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive behavior; unusual eating or sleeping habits; stomach or digestion issues such as constipation; unusual mood or emotional reactions; anxiety; and either a lack of fear or more fear than expected.
On their own, any of these can have many causes. That’s why a professional evaluation matters.
Keep an eye on milestones
Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age, like smiling, waving or saying first words. The CDC’s free Learn the Signs. Act Early. program has milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app for children from 2 months to 5 years. Tracking milestones can help you notice patterns and give you specific examples to share with your child’s doctor.
When to talk with your child’s doctor
The CDC encourages parents to contact their child’s doctor about any concerns with their development. You don’t need to wait for a scheduled checkup, and you don’t need to be sure. “I’ve noticed some things and want to talk about them” is enough.
The CDC also says all children should be screened specifically for autism during regular well-child visits at 18 months and 24 months, with more screening if a child is at higher risk or showing symptoms. (CDC: Screening for ASD)
Before the appointment, it can help to:
- Write down what you’ve noticed, with examples and the age when it started
- Take short videos of behaviors that worry you
- Bring a milestone checklist
- List questions you want to ask
Screening vs. diagnosis
A screening is a quick check, often a questionnaire, that shows whether a child might need a closer look. It does not diagnose autism.
A diagnosis comes from a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, child psychiatrist or licensed psychologist. Your pediatrician can refer you.
If your child is under 3, you can also contact Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), a statewide program for children from birth to 36 months with developmental delays or disabilities. Children 3 and older may be able to get an assessment through your local school district.
Why acting early helps
Waiting to see if a child grows out of something can feel easier. But getting answers early means that if your child does need support, they can start sooner. And if the evaluation doesn’t show autism, you’ll have peace of mind.
What happens after a diagnosis?
If your child is diagnosed with autism, the evaluating professional may recommend therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy or occupational therapy. ABA teaches communication, social, play and daily living skills in a way that is tailored to each child.
At Evolve ABA Care, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) assesses your child and builds a personal plan, and parent training is part of every program. We offer in-home ABA across Texas and clinic-based ABA in McKinney. We accept Texas Medicaid and plans from UnitedHealthcare, BCBS, Baylor Scott & White, Aetna, Cigna, Wellpoint and Molina, and we have a Spanish-speaking BCBA.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my child evaluated without a doctor’s referral?
It depends on the evaluator and your insurance. Many insurance plans need a referral from your child’s doctor, so starting with your pediatrician is usually easiest.
Who can diagnose autism?
A qualified professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist or licensed psychologist. Once your child has a diagnosis, we can help you start ABA therapy.
My child has some of these signs. Does that mean they have autism?
Not necessarily. Some children without autism show some of these behaviors. Only an evaluation by a qualified professional can tell you.
Talk with our team
Have a diagnosis and wondering about next steps? Call Evolve ABA Care at 469-793-6001 or send us a message. We’re happy to answer questions and check your insurance.
Sources
- CDC: Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- CDC: Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- CDC: Learn the Signs. Act Early.
- Texas Health and Human Services: Early Childhood Intervention Services
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Only a qualified professional can diagnose autism. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor.
