Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause challenges in childhood development, behavior, communication, and social skills. Like other developmental disabilities, Autism exists on a spectrum meaning each child with ASD will have unique strengths and unique challenges. Autism can typically be identified quite early in life – around 18 months – and lasts throughout adulthood. Oftentimes, developmental skills, and communication/social barriers, can be improved through services like ABA Therapy and Precision Teaching. Autism can be diagnosed by specialists in Developmental or Behavioral Pediatrics as well as Child Psychiatry, Psychology or Neurology.
Autism can be diagnosed by a specialist in Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics, Speech Pathology, or Child Psychology around 18 months of age. Diagnosis is made through a formal evaluation but, signs of ASD typically present earlier. Some common signs include:
