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What to consider when selecting a Therapy Provider for your child
Signs of Autism
The signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder vary widely. One child with ASD will not have exactly the same symptoms as another child with ASD—the number and severity of symptoms can vary greatly. If your child is not meeting milestones or you are concerned about your child’s development, don’t wait! Talk to your doctor.
Early signs of autism can often be detected in infants as young as 6-18 months.
Early Warning Signs
Your baby or toddler does not:
- Make eye contact, such as looking at you when being fed or smiling when being smiled at
- Respond to his or her name, or to the sound of a familiar voice
- Follow objects visually or follow your gesture when you point things out
- Point or wave goodbye, or use other gestures to communicate
- Make noises to get your attention
- Initiate or respond to cuddling or reach out to be picked up
- Imitate your movements and facial expressions
- Play with other people or share interest and enjoyment
Additional Warning Signs
- Rocks, spins, sways, twirls fingers, walks on toes for a long time, or flaps hands (called "stereotypic behavior")
- Likes routines, order, and rituals; has difficulty with change
- Obsessed with a few or unusual activities, doing them repeatedly during the day
- Plays with parts of toys instead of the whole toy (e.g., spinning the wheels of a toy truck)
- Doesn't seem to feel pain
- May be very sensitive or not sensitive at all to smells, sounds, lights, textures, and touch
- Unusual use of vision or gaze—looks at objects from unusual angles
- May lose language or other social milestones, usually between the ages of 15 and 24 months (often called regression)
Developmental Red Flags
The following delays warrant an immediate evaluation by your child’s pediatrician:
By 6 months
No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions
By 9 months
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions
By 12 months
Lack of response to name
No babbling or “baby talk”
No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
By 16 months
No spoken words
By 24 months
No meaningful two-word phrases that don’t involve imitating or repeating
Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) at the earliest age possible is of the utmost importance because earlier diagnosis = increased outcomes.
Helpful Websites
Accredited Schools Online - How to support students with ASD
Association in Science of Autism Treatment
Autism and Sleep: Empowering Children with ASD for Better Sleep
Autism Society of Mahoning Valley
Autism Society of Mahoning Valley (Facebook) Page
Autism Society of NW Pennsylvania
Autism: The Continuous Push for Awareness
Caring for the Eyes of Children with Special Needs
Children's with Special Needs Planning Guide
Creating an Autism Friendly Home
Financial Planning for Parents of Children With Learning Disabilities
Guide to Better Sleep for Kids with Autism
Guide to Dental Care for Children with Autism
Guide to Lighting and Designing Play Areas for Kids with Special Needs
Guide to Paying for College with People With Disabilities
**The above pages are meant to be a resource for parents and caregivers. ABA Therapy Solutions does not specifically recommend or endorse any of the organizations or information contained within these web pages.
How to Create an Autism Friendly Sensory Garden
How to Help Your Autistic Child Learn at Home
How to Overcome The Difficulties of Getting a Driver’s License With Autism
Learning Accommodations and Online College
Managing Sensory Overload for Children with Special Needs
Moving with Children with Disabilities
Navigating Healthcare for Children with Autism
Parent’s Guide for Children With Special Needs in the Dental Office
Parents Guide: So Your Child Has Been Diagnosed with Autism...
Parent’s Guide to Creating a Safe Home for Children With Disabilities
Parenting Pod - Autism Spectrum Disorder Guide
Planning an Accessible and Sensory-Friendly Theme Park Trip
Read This If You Don't Know How to Talk to Someone Who Has Autism
aSingleMother.org (grants for Single Mothers)
Sleep Help For People With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sensory Overload and How to Manage it
Support Resources for Students With Disabilities
The Full Guide to Flying with a Disability
The Ultimate Resource Guide for STEM Students with Autism
30 Ways to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month
