Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, learns, and experiences the world. Because autism exists on a spectrum, individuals can present with a wide range of strengths, abilities, and challenges.
Every child with autism is unique. No two individuals with ASD are exactly alike — and each deserves personalized understanding and support.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Children and individuals with ASD may experience challenges in:
- Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Social interactions
- Emotional regulation
- Behavioral flexibility
Some common characteristics may include:
- Delayed or absent speech
- Avoiding eye contact
- Not responding to their name
- Echolalia (repeating words or phrases)
- Limited use of gestures (pointing or waving)
- Difficulty with transitions
- Repetitive behaviors (rocking, spinning)
- Fixation on specific objects or topics
- Hypersensitivity to lights, sounds, or smells
- Extremely selective eating habits
- Delayed motor skills
- Limited imaginative play
- Sleep disturbances
- Challenging or aggressive behaviors
- Lack of joint attention
While these signs are common, the presence and severity of symptoms vary from child to child.
At What Age Does Autism Typically Appear?
Early signs of autism can appear as early as 12 to 18 months of age, and sometimes even earlier. Since early childhood is a critical period of rapid development, differences in communication, social engagement, and behavior often become noticeable during this time.
Early identification and early intervention are key factors in improving long-term developmental outcomes.
How Common Is Autism?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism currently affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States.
Globally, autism affects an estimated 1% of the population, representing tens of millions of individuals worldwide.
The rise in diagnoses over recent decades is largely attributed to increased awareness, improved screening practices, and expanded diagnostic criteria.
How Does Autism Develop?
Research shows that autism is related to differences in brain structure and function. Autism is not something that develops later in life — individuals are born with it. However, signs may become more noticeable as developmental expectations increase.
Although there is no single known cause of autism, several factors may increase the likelihood of a diagnosis:
🧬 Genetics
Family history plays a significant role. If one child is diagnosed with autism, the likelihood of another child being diagnosed increases.
👨👩👧 Parental Age
Advanced maternal and paternal age have been associated with a slightly increased risk, though the overall difference remains small.
👦 Sex of the Child
Boys are diagnosed more frequently than girls, though girls may present symptoms differently and are sometimes underdiagnosed.
🏥 Premature Birth
Children born extremely preterm (before 26 weeks) have a higher likelihood of developmental differences, including autism.
➕ Co-Occurring Conditions
Certain genetic, neurological, or medical conditions may increase the likelihood of an autism diagnosis.
How We Help Children with Autism Learn
Children with autism often learn differently from their peers. They benefit from individualized support, structured teaching strategies, and evidence-based interventions tailored to their strengths and needs.
Our experienced therapists specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a research-backed approach designed to:
- Improve communication skills
- Strengthen social interactions
- Reduce challenging behaviors
- Build independence
- Support school readiness
We work closely with families to create personalized treatment plans that empower children to reach their fullest potential. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or has been receiving services for years, we are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care every step of the way.
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