Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), manifests differently in each individual. While some children may show clear indications early on, others might display more subtle signs that become apparent as they grow older.
While behaviors associated with autism are not enough to diagnose ASD on their own, they might be a good indicator to get an autism assessment.
How Do You Know If Your Child Has Autism?
Every child develops at their own pace, and not all delays are necessarily signs of autism. However, being informed about the potential signs can help parents seek professional guidance when needed.
Signs of Autism
People on the autism spectrum very often show strong adherence to routines and rituals. They might have a hard time breaking away from the way and order in which they do things. Repetitive behaviors, like hand-flapping, rocking, spinning or repeating the same words and phrases many times (echolalia) are also very common. Sensitivity issues are also prevalent. Many people with ASD have a hard time processing certain smells, sounds and textures. On the other hand, they might have a strong preference for certain sensory stimuli.
It can be harder to pinpoint these signs in children. Depending on your child’s age, there are some behaviors you could watch out for that might indicate ASD. In infants, lack of eye contact, not responding to their name, lack of gestures (like waving goodbye or pointing at objects) and not smiling or laughing could be indicators of ASD.
As kids grow, delayed language development and difficulty with social interactions are also very common indicators on ASD.
Our signs of autism resource contains a more detailed list of potential autism indicators. Signs of autism can manifest early on, but children may not show clear signs of autism until they face the increased social demands of school or other structured environments.
Does My Child Need An Autism Evaluation?
If you notice potential signs of autism persisting over time, getting an autism assessment can help you find or rule out an ASD diagnosis. If you have concerns about your child's development, it's always better to seek professional help sooner rather than later. The assessment is an important tool to figure out the support your child needs. It also gives you a more clear picture of their strengths and needs.
The assessment not only confirms whether your child is in the autism spectrum or not, but also certain co-occurring or related neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD.
At What Age Can a Child Be Diagnosed with Autism?
Autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as 18 months of age, although many children receive a diagnosis later in childhood. Early signs of autism may be noticeable in infants and toddlers, but the full range typically becomes more apparent as your child grows and develops.
A diagnosis allows access to specialized therapy like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which can help your child thrive. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism, which is why we encourage parents to get their child tested as soon as possible if they have concerns. However, it's never too late to seek an assessment, and therapy and support can make an incredible difference regardless of the person’s age.
The Autism Assessment Process
How Do Autism Assessments Work?
Autism assessments are done by licensed psychologists. At Behavioral Framework, the evaluation process has three steps.
- An interview between the psychologist and the parent(s) or guardian(s)
- In-person testing at the Behavioral Framework office
- A feedback session between the psychologist and the parent(s) or guardian(s)
The entire process usually takes about a month. During your final feedback session, your psychologist will give you a detailed report and explain what kind of support your child needs. They will also provide recommendations for home, school and other settings. You can choose to start ABA therapy with us, or find a different provider. Behavioral Framework works with children, teens and young adults with autism up to 21 years of age.
How to Get an Assessment for Autism
The first step to getting an autism assessment is finding a certified provider, like Behavioral Framework. We offer autism diagnostic services to families in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia at our Pathways diagnostic center. We provide diagnostic services for individuals up to the age of 21.
You can start by calling our offices or using our online form to get in touch with our team. We will discuss next steps with you and help you get ready for the assessment.
Can Adults Be Assessed for Autism?
People can get an autism assessment at any age. They can also benefit from specialized therapies and support. However, the assessment process will be different, as will be the therapeutic approach.
Is It Worth Getting an Autism Diagnosis?
Yes! An autism diagnosis opens the way for your child to get the support they need to thrive. With a diagnosis, your child can access support programs at school, like a 504 plan or an IEP. It also helps parents understand how they can support their child and set them up for success. A diagnosis allows people with autism to get a better understanding of their inner experiences. Parents also learn a lot about their child and how they interact with the world around them.
Early Intervention in ABA Therapy
If you believe that an autism assessment might be needed, it’s best not to wait too long. Young autistic children benefit significantly from an ABA Early Intervention program, which helps them develop tools to manage difficult situations early on in life. By learning the essentials early through guided assistance, children with autism can learn to better communicate their needs with those around them.
In Need of an Autism Diagnosis For Your Child?
If you have concerns about your child’s development and the signs align with an autism spectrum disorder, we can help. Schedule an appointment today and start the assessment process at Pathways by Behavioral Framework. We serve families in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.