About 1 in 44 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. If you are worried that your child may have autism, it is important to know the signs so that you can get them help. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common signs of autism. Keep in mind that every child with autism is different, so not all of these symptoms will be present in every child.

If you're interested in learning more about autism therapy, contact ACES and find a location near you!

Difficulty With Social Interaction

Typical social skill deficits include: initiating interactions, responding to the initiations of others, maintaining eye contact, sharing enjoyment, reading the non-verbal cues of others, and taking another person's perspective.

Difficulty With Communication

Another common sign of autism is difficulty communicating. Children with autism may have trouble using words to express their thoughts or feelings, or they may use language in a different way than other children their age. They may also have problems following directions or understanding what others are saying to them.

Repetitive Behaviors

Restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests are among the three core symptoms of autism. They include repetitive movements with objects, repeated body movements such as rocking and hand-flapping, ritualistic behavior, sensory sensitivities and circumscribed interests.

These behaviors are one of two domains required for diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder.

These behaviors can create challenges in the day-to-day functioning of an individual and impact their ability to get their needs met or create positive social interactions with others.

Difficulty With Changes in Routine

Children with autism often have difficulty when things change in their environment. They may become upset if there is a new person in the house, if their bedtime is changed, or if there is any other disruption to their normal routine.

They Might..

Children who may be at risk for ASD can display a variety of warning signs, while it is common for children without ASD to display some of the signs below, they are sill items to pay attention to as early detection signs.

Lack of Smiling or Eye Contact

A lack of smiling or eye contact is often a sign of autism. Children with autism may not want to be touched and may avoid social interactions. They may also stare for long periods of time.

Difficulty With Emotions

Many children with autism have trouble regulating their emotions. They may become overwhelmed easily or have intense reactions to things that other children would not find upsetting. This can be difficult for parents and caregivers to deal with and can lead to problems in school or at home.

Poor Motor Skills

Many children with autism have difficulty with motor skills. They may be clumsy and have trouble with tasks that require coordination, like riding a bike or tying their shoes. This can make it difficult for them to participate in activities with other children.

ACES - Elevating the Standards of the Treatment of Autism™

If you are worried that your child may have autism, it is important to seek help from a doctor or therapist. There is no one test that can determine whether or not a child has autism, but there are many tests and evaluations that can help doctors make a diagnosis. Early intervention is key in helping children with autism reach their full potential.

At ACES, we are dedicated to helping those who have been diagnosed with autism. We utilize Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to create a personalized treatment plan for each child. We understand the importance of providing one-on-one therapy that addresses their unique challenges and how early intervention can make a world of difference. Learn more about ABA therapy and autism therapy by reaching out to ACES today.