Diagnosing Autism In Children: Center for Behavioral Health at Woods

Autism, scientifically referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly impacts how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. The term “spectrum” is key here because autism encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity levels. This means that each individual with autism is unique, and their experiences can differ greatly from one another.

The severity of autism varies from person to person. And while research has shown common benchmarks when children are diagnosed with autism, the timing of each person can vary as well. Some individuals with autism exhibit mild symptoms and lead relatively independent lives, while others require extensive support in daily activities. At our Center for Behavioral Health, we emphasize that every individual with autism should be celebrated for their individuality, strengths, and challenges.

Autism is most frequently identified in early childhood, with signs and symptoms often becoming more noticeable between the ages of 2 and 3. However, some children may exhibit signs as early as in their first year. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to providing the best possible support and outcomes for children with autism.

Autism symptoms can manifest differently depending on a child’s age and developmental stage. Here’s a breakdown of what you might observe in babies and toddlers (2-24 months), younger children (ages 2 to 4) versus older children (ages 5 to 16):

Babies and Toddlers (2-24 months):

• 6 Months: limited eye contact, difficulty engaging with caregivers, and delayed or atypical response to their name.
• 9 Months: limited interest in pointing or sharing experiences, absence of gestures like waving, and difficulty imitating simple actions.
• 12 Months: limited use of single words, such as “mama” or “dada,” and difficulty responding to simple requests or commands.
• 16 Months: limited vocabulary expansion, reduced joint attention (e.g., not looking at what others are pointing to), and delayed social development.
• 24 Months: limited or absent speech development, difficulty engaging in imaginative play, and a preference for repetitive activities.

• Communication Challenges: limited or absent speech, difficulty in understanding and using language, and a lack of interest in communication.
• Social Difficulties: limited interest in social interactions, difficulty making eye contact, and trouble engaging with others, including peers.
• Repetitive Behaviors: engaging in repetitive actions, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or fixation on specific objects or topics.
• Sensory Sensitivities: heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli like lights, sounds, textures, or smells.

• Communication: Some children may develop verbal communication skills but struggle with understanding and using language effectively.
• Social Interactions: Challenges in forming and maintaining friendships, difficulty in understanding social cues, and adapting to social norms.
• Behavioral Challenges: Continued engagement in repetitive behaviors and intense interests, which can interfere with daily routines.
• Academic and Adaptive Skills: Variability in academic performance and self-help skills, with some children excelling in specific areas while facing difficulties in others.