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Recognizing Autism Early: Why Timing Matters

Early signs of autism can appear before a child turns two and recognizing them early can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes. Intensive behavioral intervention during these formative years offers the best chance for meaningful progress in communication, social skills, and independence. The earlier a child receives support, the more opportunities they have to build foundational skills that will benefit them for life.  New parents quickly discover just how much there is to learn about raising a young child—and how overwhelming the flood of opinions and advice can be. A beloved family member might share a story about a cousin who didn’t speak until age four. A trusted pediatrician may take a “wait and see” approach or reassure you that your child will “grow out of” intense tantrums. It’s easy to feel uncertain about what’s typical and what might signal a need for further evaluation. When I had my baby—even with a child development degree and over 10 years’ experience working with children—I clearly remember feeling unsure about his developmental stages and milestones.  While every child develops at their own pace, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. initiative offers excellent resources to help parents understand what most children do at certain ages. In addition, some developmental milestones may indicate early warning signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as: 
  • Limited eye contact or not responding to their name 
  • Minimal or absent social interactions (e.g., pattycake or “so big!”) 
  • Lack of shared interest or gestures (e.g., showing you a toy) 
  • Repetitive or solitary play 
  • Self-stimulatory behaviors like hand flapping or body rocking 
  • Unusual reactions to sights, sounds, or textures 
It’s important to note that many young children may show some of these behaviors occasionally. For example, when my son was three, he insisted on wearing adult-sized gardening gloves to daycare every day for a week! But if your child is showing multiple signs, these behaviors or deficits seem more intense than other children, or something just “feels off” in your gut, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.  Addressing developmental concerns early is critical because the brain is most adaptable in the first few years of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months, along with formal autism screening at 18 and 24 months. If concerns arise, Early Intervention Services (EI) are available until age three and provide support in areas like motor development, communication, and play skills—right in your child’s natural environment. After the age of three, your child may be eligible for special education services through your local school district.  If you or your pediatrician suspect autism, getting a formal diagnosis as early as possible is essential. It opens the door to supports like ABA therapy, which will likely be covered by your health insurance. Research shows that children who begin high-quality intensive behavioral intervention before age three experience the most significant improvements in language, social skills, and adaptive behaviors like school readiness and safety awareness. And don’t worry, ABA therapy after the age of three can also result in impactful significant improvements in your child’s behaviors and skills.  To learn more about what quality ABA therapy looks like—and what it’s not—check out our recent blogs: The Truth About ABA Therapy, Part One and Part Two. We also understand that families often feel unsure about where to begin after receiving a diagnosis. This summer, we hosted a webinar with autism expert Dr. Bridget Taylor, discussing essential first steps for families. You can watch the recording here. Finally, Autism New Jersey is an invaluable resource. Whether you need help finding a diagnostician, accessing special education services, or locating an ABA provider, their experienced and compassionate team is ready to support you.  And of course, please reach out to us here at Totalis Behavioral Health! Our expert clinicians can help guide you through the process of beginning comprehensive, play-based, and individualized ABA therapy in your own home. 

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