Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

Signs and Symptoms of Autism

Autism affects each child differently. Even when two children share the same diagnosis, their strengths, challenges, and behaviors can look very different. What they may have in common are difficulties in social interaction, social communication, and/or restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. 

Social interaction differences may include seeming less responsive to typical social cues such as making eye contact, smiling, imitating others, or recognizing how someone else is feeling.

Social communication differences may include delays in speech or other ways of communicating, like pointing or gesturing. A child may not respond to their name, may use fewer words than expected for their age, or may seem to struggle with age-appropriate social communication. 

Repetitive behaviors or very focused interests can also be early signs of ASD and may include:

• Being very focused on one interest or topic 
• Repeating words or phrases 
• Repetitive body movements such as hand flapping, rocking body, or spinning in circles 
• Difficulties adjusting to a change in routine or usual way of doing things

In addition, a child may have specific needs related to any of their sensory abilities (sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste). A child may:

• Cover their ears if sounds are too loud 
• Be particular about the clothes they wear (sensitive to certain fabrics, textures) 
• Refuse to eat certain foods (sensitivity to food taste, texture, type) 
• Smell objects frequently (sensitive to certain smells) 
• Become either overly quiet or hyperactive in noisy or bright environments (loud environments can be overstimulating)

Other related characteristics might include:

• Delayed language skills, movement skills, cognitive or learning skills 
• Seizure disorder
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Gastrointestinal issues (i.e., constipation)

Evaluation and Diagnosis of Autism

Children may show signs of autism in early infancy, though these signs can vary widely from child to child. ASD is often diagnosed between 18 and 24 months. However, many children receive clinical attention when they are older and their social, communication and behavioral difficulties become more noticeable.

Diagnosing a child with ASD usually involves several steps: developmental screening, followed by thorough evaluations from specialists such as developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or child psychiatrists. These assessments use standardized tools and structured observations to understand how a child communicates, behaves and interacts with the world around them. Genetic testing may also be recommended to identify medical conditions that can occur alongside autism and help guide treatment planning. 

It is important to note that an accurate diagnosis matters. It allows families to access targeted supports during the most important years of a child’s development.

Treatment and Therapies for Autism

Children with autism benefit most from a multi-disciplinary team‑based approach. Treatment usually involves specialists such as developmental pediatricians, psychologists, child psychiatrists, speech‑language pathologists, occupational therapists, and early‑intervention clinicians who work together to create an individualized plan based on each child’s strengths, needs, and learning style.

Early intervention is key. Research shows that starting services early can help improve social, communication, and daily living skills. Treatment may include: 

• Behavioral therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support learning and positive behavior. 
• Speech and language therapy to build communication skills. 
• Occupational therapy to support sensory needs and everyday routines.
• Medication, when appropriate, to help manage symptoms like irritability, attentional difficulties, or anxiety, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Parents play a critical role in this team-based approach. Parent training and support programs can help caregivers understand autism and how it presents in their child, learn and use therapeutic strategies at home and advocate for their child’s needs in school and community settings. If autism affects a child’s ability to learn, educational adjustments or specialized supports may be needed to help them succeed in school. 

For treatment to be effective, it is essential for caregivers and specialists involved in the child’s treatment to have good communication and work collaboratively in assessing the child’s needs and develop the treatment plan accordingly.

Find more information on mental health specialists

Many treatments have been developed to address a range of social, language, sensory, and behavioral challenges that children with ASD may have. These treatments include parent management training, behavioral therapies and when needed medications to support safety and stabilization. .

Read about mental health treatment options

ABA Therapy for Autism

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is one of the most widely used and well‑researched therapies for children with autism. At its core, ABA focuses on helping children build skills by encouraging positive behaviors and reducing behaviors that may get in the way of learning or social connection. 

ABA programs are individualized to meet the needs of the specific child. A trained therapist breaks skills into small, manageable steps and teaches them in ways that fit a child’s age, interests, and developmental level. 

With early and consistent support, many children make meaningful progress in areas like communication, social skills, and independence in their daily life. ABA is often one of the key therapies included in a comprehensive autism treatment plan.