Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of developmental disorders characterized by challenges in communication, social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. Because it is a spectrum, the severity and types of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. 

While the exact cause of ASD is still unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Early identification of the signs and symptoms of ASD can help ensure that affected individuals receive the appropriate support and services.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism symptoms typically become apparent in early childhood, often by the age of 2 or 3, although signs may appear earlier. The signs of ASD can be grouped into three main categories:

Social Communication and Interaction Challenges

Children with ASD often experience difficulties in social communication and interaction. Here are some of the following behaviors that are commonly observed:

• Does not play basic interactive games by 12 months
• By 12 months, may not use gestures like waving goodbye
• By 15 months, may not share or show objects of interest
• By 18 months, may not point to things they find interesting
• May avoid or struggle with eye contact
• Struggles to start or maintain conversations, often speaking in a monotone
• May not pick up on social cues or engage in back-and-forth conversation
• Difficulty understanding or using gestures, facial expressions, and body language
• Often prefers solitary play and avoids interacting with peers
• May have trouble with personal space and staying at a comfortable distance
• Turn-taking in games or activities can be challenging
• May struggle to understand or express emotions

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors

Restricted and repetitive behaviors are a key characteristic of ASD. These behaviors can impact a person’s daily functioning and interactions, as they may become fixated on specific activities or routines.

Below are the common behaviors that reflect this need for structure and routine:

• Repeating the same actions or behaviors, like lining up objects or spinning items
• Engaging in specific routines or rituals that must be followed exactly
• Strong preference for specific food textures or colors, often refusing to eat certain foods
• Over-focusing on specific details rather than the bigger picture (e.g. obsessing over a part of a toy rather than playing with it as a whole)
• Repeating words or phrases
• Fixating on specific objects or toys
• Watching the same video or listening to the same song repeatedly
• Difficulty with transitions, becoming distressed when moving from one activity to another
• Insisting on items or activities being in a specific order
• Overreacting to small changes in the environment

Developmental and Behavioral Differences

ASD is characterized by a variety of developmental and behavioral differences that can impact a child’s growth and daily functioning. Here are some of the differences seen in children with ASD:

• Delayed speech development or limited vocabulary
• Difficulty forming sentences or holding conversations
• Delayed motor skills like writing or drawing
• Struggles with fine motor tasks (e.g., holding a pencil)
• Limited interest in pretend play, prefers repetitive activities
• Engages in repetitive play (e.g., lining up toys)
• Difficulty with emotional regulation, leading to meltdowns
• Overwhelmed by frustration, anxiety, or other emotions
• Limited eye contact or avoidance of social interactions
• Difficulty transitioning between activities or routines

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder

Diagnosing ASD involves a multi-step process, which includes developmental screenings, parent questionnaires, and thorough evaluations by healthcare professionals. 

A pediatrician or psychologist will assess a child’s developmental milestones and behavior patterns to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD. This is outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

If you notice any of the signs of ASD in your child, it is important to seek professional guidance from a pediatrician or a developmental specialist. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner intervention can begin, which significantly improves outcomes.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of ASD is the first step toward providing support and improving the quality of life. If you suspect your child may have ASD, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. 

Many families benefit from working with specialists like those at Intellaplay ABA, an ABA therapy in Maryland. We use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy strategies to help individuals with ASD develop essential skills and manage challenging behaviors.

Take the next step and contact us for an assessment to understand your child’s unique needs and how we can help.