Autism Red Flags and The Importance of early Diagnosis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people and the world around them. ASD is called a "spectrum" disorder because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms and abilities—no two people with ASD are exactly alike.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that 1 in 36 children have an autism spectrum disorder.

The importance of early identification and diagnosis of ASD cannot be overstated. When autism is detected and diagnosed early, around ages 18 months to 2 years old, it allows children to start receiving crucial interventions and therapies at the time when their brains are still rapidly developing. Getting an early start with autism therapies can have life-changing impacts on a child's abilities to communicate, learn, and interact with others.

On the other hand, when autism goes undiagnosed or is diagnosed late, children miss out on this critical window for early intervention. The delays in learning language, cognitive, and social skills that are common with undiagnosed ASD may lead to emotional, social, or even medical issues later in life. Early diagnosis and treatment provides children with ASD the best chance at reaching their full potential.

It's important to understand the early signs and symptoms that may indicate autism spectrum disorder. While every child develops differently, the following behaviors are possible red flags for ASD:

At Six Months:

• Little or no eye contact

• Few or no big smiles or other joyful expressions

At Nine Months:

• Little or no back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles, and facial expressions

At Twelve Months:

Little or no:

• Babbling

• Back-and-forth gestures: pointing, showing, reaching, or waving

• Response to their name called

At Sixteen Months:

• Few to no words

At Two Years:

• Few to meaningful, two-word phrases

Some autism red flags are important to note at any age:

• Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills

• Avoidance of eye contact

• Persistent preference for solitude

• Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings

• Delayed language development

• Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)

• Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings

• Restricted interests

• Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)

• Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors

If your child is demonstrating any regression or delay of expected milestones for communication, social interaction, or restrictive/repetitive behaviors, don't hesitate to raise your concerns with your pediatrician. Acting quickly is key, so speak up whenever you have worries about your child’s development.

Here’s what the evaluation and diagnostic process typically entails:

• Developmental screening: This preliminary screening during regular pediatric appointments can catch early signs of autism. Your child’s doctor may ask you questions or have your child perform interactive tasks to gauge social, communication and cognitive progress.

• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation: If the screening indicates possible ASD, the next step is a full clinical evaluation, likely with a developmental pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist or neuropsychologist that specializes in diagnosing autism. This thorough multi-disciplinary assessment looks at your child’s behavior and development to determine if there are clinically significant delays.

• Various autism assessment tools may be used, such as:

• Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS): The doctor observes your child and evaluates behavior on scales like communication, sensory sensitivity and relating to people. 

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS): Structured observation of social interaction, communication skills and imaginative play. 

• Autism Diagnostic Interview: An in-depth parental interview on developmental and medical history.

• Medical tests: Hearing/vision tests or genetic testing may also be done to uncover other factors influencing your child’s development.

If your child is diagnosed with ASD, remember you are not alone. Be compassionate with yourself and don’t hesitate to seek support from other families impacted by autism. With the guidance of your child’s intervention team, you can determine the best treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs. Early intervention can make a world of difference for children with ASD—the earlier it starts, the better!

Autism Evaluations for Children in NYC

If you are looking for an autism evaluation for your child, we offer them at our New York office located in the Upper West Side. We offer autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment online.