Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complicated condition that includes problems with communication and behavior. It can involve a wide range of symptoms and skills. ASD can be a minor problem or a disability that needs full-time care in a special facility.
People with autism have trouble with communication. They have trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it hard for them to express themselves, either with words or through gestures, facial expressions, and touch.
People with autism might have problems with learning. Their skills might develop unevenly. For example, they could have trouble communicating but be unusually good at art, music, math, or memory. Because of this, they might do especially well on tests of analysis or problem-solving.
More children are diagnosed with autism now than ever before. But the latest numbers could be higher because of changes in how it’s diagnosed, not because more children have a disorder.
What are the symptoms of autism?
Autism symptoms range from mild to severely disabling, and every person is different. You should consider the following signs of autism as possible indicators that your child may be at risk for the condition. If your child shows any of the following early signs of autism, get in touch with their healthcare provider. They may recommend a referral for an autism evaluation.
Signs of autism include difficulties with social interactions, such as:
Your child doesn’t look at you when you call their name or responds inconsistently.
Your baby doesn’t smile widely or make warm, joyful expressions by the age of 6 months.
Your baby doesn’t engage in smiling, making sounds and making faces with you or other people by the age of 9 months.
Your baby doesn’t babble by the age of 12 months.
Your baby doesn’t use gestures such as reaching or waving by the age of 12 months.
Your baby doesn’t play any back-and-forth games, like “peek-a-boo,” by the age of 12 months.
Your toddler doesn’t speak any meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by the age of 24 months.
Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills.
Signs of autism also include specific behaviors, called restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests:
Your child often lines up toys or plays with toys the same way every time.
Your child must follow certain routines or has extreme reactions to small changes in routine.
Your child has obsessive or very unusual interests.
Your child has significant sensory aversions, like dislike of loud noises, dislike of how certain clothes fit or feel or very picky eating.
Your child has sensory-seeking behaviors, like looking out of the corner of their eye at objects (peering), sniffing or licking objects.
Autism treatment includes behavioral interventions or therapies. These teach new skills to address the core deficits of autism and reduce the core symptoms. Every child with autism is unique. For this reason, your child will receive an individualized treatment plan to meet their specific needs. It’s best to begin interventions as soon as possible so the benefits of therapy can continue throughout your child’s life.
Many people with ASD have additional medical conditions. These include gastrointestinal and feeding issues, seizures and sleep disturbances. Treatment can involve behavioral therapy, medications or both.
Early intensive behavioral treatments involve your entire family and possibly a team of professionals. As your child ages and develops, they may receive a modified treatment plan to cater to their specific needs.
During adolescence, children may benefit from transition services. These can promote skills of independence essential in adulthood. The focus at that point is on employment opportunities and job skill training.
How is autism diagnosed?
Getting an autism diagnosis can be difficult. There’s no autism test, such as a laboratory test, to diagnose the condition. However, healthcare providers can perform specialized screenings and evaluations. The steps in the process of getting an autism diagnosis include the following.
Developmental surveillance
Your child’s healthcare provider will look at your child’s developmental history and behavior. They’ll likely ask you to record your own observations to share with them at your child’s appointments. This is an active, ongoing process where you watch your child grow and discuss your child’s skills and abilities with their provider.
Developmental screening
Screening is a more formal step and takes a closer look at your child’s development. Your child’s provider may utilize a questionnaire to screen for autism. This includes questions and checklists to compare your child to other children of the same age. This test doesn’t provide a diagnosis, but it can indicate if your child is on the typical developmental track or needs a more formal evaluation.
Formal evaluation
Formal evaluation takes a more in-depth look at your child’s development. A trained specialist, such as a child psychologist or a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, will observe your child and give them a structured autism spectrum test. They’ll also ask you questions and have you fill out questionnaires. The results of a formal evaluation will show your child’s strengths and challenges and can help determine a formal diagnosis.