Learning that your child has received an autism diagnosis can be coupled with a range of emotions – from relief to uncertainty about the future. As parents navigate this journey, one of the first and most important steps is understanding: “What is autism?”
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more commonly known as “autism” is a complex developmental condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. Every child with autism is unique, but there are common patterns of behavior and areas of need that each child may display.
Autism is often characterized by delays and differences in communication and socialization as well as repetitive behaviors or intense interests. While autism can be diagnosed at any age, signs typically appear during the first two years of life. This neurodevelopmental disorder impacts people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
The term “spectrum” in autism spectrum disorder reflects the wide variety of challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism. No two individuals with autism are exactly alike. While some people may require significant support in their daily lives, others may grow to be very independent
People diagnosed with autism may experience challenges in:
Common behavioral characteristics include:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of behaviors and traits, which is why it’s called a “spectrum. There are often signs in early childhood that may indicate a need for a professional evaluation.
While every child develops differently, parents need to trust their intuition and seek support from their pediatrician if any of these early signs are present. Early diagnosis is key because it opens the door to services and support that can help a child grow, learn, and thrive.
Delayed Speech Development:
Limited Social Engagement:
Delayed Milestone Achievement:
Self-stimulatory behaviors (“stimming”), such as:
Early identification of autism is crucial for accessing appropriate interventions and support. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screenings at:
Medical professionals, including pediatricians, psychiatrists, and psychologists, can diagnose autism through comprehensive behavioral and developmental assessments. While autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age two, many children receive their diagnosis later.
When diagnosed with autism, individuals are typically assigned one of three support levels, helping families and healthcare providers plan appropriate interventions:
This is the lowest level which requires the least amount of support. People with Level 1 autism are more likely to have mild symptoms and can often communicate through conversation. Some individuals at this level may find it hard to make friends and maintain social relationships while also having difficulty adapting to changes in routine.
This level is marked by deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication. Additionally, a person diagnosed with ASD Level 2 may suffer from social impairments that limit their ability to respond to social overtures from others. Restrictive and repetitive behaviors occur at a level that interfere with daily functioning across a variety of contexts which may cause distress for the individual and their caregivers.
A person whose autism diagnosis is categorized as Level 3 displays severe deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction skills. A person may have few or no words which impedes their ability to communicate their wants and needs. Extreme difficulty coping with change as well as frequent restricted and repetitive behavior cause great distress for the person and their caregivers. This is the most severe level of autism and requires the most intensive level of support, likely across a person’s lifetime.
There is no cure for autism but early intervention, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), has been shown to effectively reduce the severity of symptoms and teach new skills so that a child is more easily able to navigate their world.
ABA therapy stands as the gold standard for autism treatment. Endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General as one of the most effective evidence-based interventions, ABA therapy offers a systematic approach to improving behaviors and teaching new skills.
Through carefully crafted treatment plans individualized to each child’s needs, our team continuously measures progress and adjusts programs accordingly. Studies consistently demonstrate that when children receive early, intensive ABA therapy, they can achieve significant developmental gains.
Through ABA therapy:
Visit our guide "What is ABA Therapy?" to understand how this evidence-based treatment works and why it might be right for your child.
A comprehensive treatment approach often includes multiple therapeutic approaches:
Many families find that combining these interventions with ABA therapy provides the most comprehensive support for their child’s development.
The exact causes of autism have yet to be determined, however, scientists and researchers have been able to determine some factors that may make autism more or less likely. We know that genes, in conjunction with the environment, can act together in different ways to affect development and change outcomes. According to the Center for Disease Control, some risk factors for autism are:
Every child with autism has unique strengths and challenges. Working closely with healthcare providers, therapists, and educators can help develop an effective support plan. Remember that early intervention is key – the sooner appropriate supports are in place, the sooner you and your child will benefit from learning new skills and overcoming challenges
If you notice any of the following signs in your child, consult with your pediatrician:
Understanding autism is the first step in providing effective support for individuals with ASD. While each person’s journey with autism is unique, with appropriate support and intervention, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development or seeking support for an autism diagnosis, contact healthcare professionals who can provide guidance and resources specific to your situation.*
