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Signs & Symptoms of Autism

Social Communication and Interaction Skills

  • 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

  • Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months of age

  • Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months of age

Repetitive and Restricted 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 Signs

  • 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)

  • Unusual mood or emotional reactions

  • Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry

  • Lack of fear or more fear than expected

 Note: It is important to note that children with ASD may not have all or any of the behaviors listed as examples here. Information listed in this section is from the CDC.

ABA for Children with Autism | ABA Therapist Near Me

What should You Do next?

Seek Out an Official Autism Diagnosis

Where to obtain an official Autism Diagnosis

While You for the Appointment

If you suspect that your child has Autism, seek out an official diagnosis. The earlier that you seek out the official Autism diagnosis, the earlier that you can access resources to better support you and your child.

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ABA services are not available to children  that do not an Autism diagnosis. This requirement is set forth by insurance.

You can obtain an official Autism diagnosis by:

  • referral from your child's doctor/pediatrician.

  • Directly from a diagnosing physician.

  •  a licensed child psychologist/psychologist

  • the Marcus Autism Institute

  • Babies Can't Wait (which can provide referrals to other providers).

After you have scheduled your child's appointment for their Autism diagnosis, began to look for a reputable ABA provider. Choose a provider that meets you and your child's needs. ABA services can be in a clinic setting or in-home. Some providers have waitlist that last a year. If you run into this issue, continue to look for a provider. The earlier children with autism access ABA services, the better life outcomes they have. 

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Your Child Received the Autism Diagnosis .... What's next?

What if ABA waitlist are too long?

Some providers have waitlist that last several months to a year. Ask your preferred provider how long the wait is for services to begin.

If the wait is extensive continue to look for a different provider. The earlier children with autism access ABA services, the better life outcomes they have.

Time to accessing ABA services is critical. 

Understanding the Results of the Official Autism Diagnosis

Once the official diagnosis comes back, you will be provided with a psychological report. The psychological will detail your child's assessment scores and relevant diagnoses. You will also be given a list of supportive organizations for you and your child and a recommendation for ABA services. Follow up with your preferred ABA provider and give them a copy of the psychological report, they will need this for insurance. 

Begin ABA Services with your Preferred Provider

Once intake has been completed with your preferred ABA provider, you and your child will begin ABA services!

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Thank you for being an awesome parent and getting your child support!

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#EmpoweringParentsThroughKnowledge

#BeeKindABATherapy

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