What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms including difficulties with social and communication skills, and patterns of restricted, repetitive behaviors and fixed interests. Currently, it is estimated that Autism affects 1 in 36 children in the United States.

Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has different symptoms, strengths, and challenges. Some people with autism may need a lot of support throughout their life, while others may need very little support, or even live entirely independently as adults.

Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some infants show hints in their first months. It’s important to remember that not all children with autism show all the signs, and many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis to help guide recommendations for therapies and other resources that best support your child’s developmental needs to help them progress.

 

What are Some of the Signs of Autism?

  • By 6 months
    • Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
    • Limited or no eye contact 
  • By 9 months
    • Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions
  • By 12 months
    • Little or no babbling
    • Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
    • Little or no response to name
  • By 16 months
    • Very few or no words
  • By 24 months
    • Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)
  • At any age
    • Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
    • Avoidance of eye contact
    • Persistent preference for solitude
    • Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
    • Delayed language development
    • Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
    • Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
    • Restricted interests
    • Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
    • Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors