Autism Spectrum Disorder

“If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism”

- Dr. Stephen Shore

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is believed to impact 1:36 children in the world. Autism Spectrum Disorder is often accompanied by challenges with social skills, speech, expressive language, non-verbal communication, and repetitive and/or restricted interests and behaviors. “If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism” - Dr. Stephen Shore. This is because each individual diagnosed with Autism presents with a unique profile of various strengths and differences, due to the nature of it being classified as a “Spectrum Disorder”. Even more so, each individual’s ability to think, problem-solve, communicate, and learn varies from highly proficient to severely challenged, which may require substantial support from different service providers, such as: Speech/Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Behavioral Analyst, and a Psychologist. With any child, the saying “It takes a village” holds true.

Early Signs of Autism

Early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder typically appear by the age of 2-3 years of age; although, some parents report signs as early as 18 months old.

Social Communication and Interaction

  • Avoids or does not keep eye contact

  • Does not respond to name by 9 months of age

  • Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age

  • Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age

  • Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)

  • Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age (for example, shows you an object that they like)

  • Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age

  • Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age

  • Does not notice other children and join them in play by 36 months of age

Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors or Interests

  • Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed

  • Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)

  • Plays with toys the same way every time

  • Is focused on parts of objects (for example, wheels)

  • Gets upset by minor changes

  • Has obsessive interests

  • Must follow certain routines

  • Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles

  • Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

Other Characteristics

  • Delayed language skills

  • Delayed movement skills

  • Delayed cognitive or learning skills

  • Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior

  • Epilepsy or seizure disorder

  • Unusual eating and sleeping habits

  • Gastrointestinal issues (for example, constipation)

  • Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry

The Most Important Takeaway?

Research suggests that early identification and early intervention provide the potential for the best positive outcome later in life for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. If you have concerns related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, you are highly encouraged to have an open conversation with your child’s primary care provider.

Do you have concerns regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder for your child?

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your concerns and what an Autism evaluation looks like.