What are Common Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Identifying the early signs of autism involves observing a child’s social, communication, and behavioral patterns, typically between 6 and 18 months of age. Common indicators include:
Social and Emotional Signs
- Limited eye contact during interactions.
- Not responding to their name by 12 months.
- Lack of social smiling by 2 months or sharing excitement (joint attention).
- Not pointing to share interest or responding to social bids by 12 to 18 months.
Communication Delays
- Delayed babbling by 6 months.
- Fewer gestures, such as waving bye-bye, by 12 months.
- No first words by 12 months or limited imitation of sounds.
Behavioral and Sensory Indicators
- Repetitive behaviors, such as lining up toys or repeating specific actions.
- A strong insistence on daily routines and resistance to change.
- Sensory sensitivities, like overreacting to loud noises, bright lights, or specific textures.
- Imaginative play delays, such as a lack of pretend play with dolls or stuffed animals.
Motor Skill Delays
- Motor milestone alerts include not crawling by 9 months or not walking by 15 months.
Because these signs vary widely among children, parents are encouraged to document observations in a journal to share with healthcare professionals for early intervention.
Related FAQs
-
What is the Difference between Traditional Aba and Naturalistic Teaching (ndbi)?
Read More »: What is the Difference between Traditional Aba and Naturalistic Teaching (ndbi)?The primary difference lies in the environment and the structure of the sessions. While both approaches utilize evidence-based strategies, naturalistic teaching — often referred to as Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) — moves away from rigid table-top structures in favor…
-
How does Sb 160 Affect Aba Therapy Access for Utah Families?
Read More »: How does Sb 160 Affect Aba Therapy Access for Utah Families?The transition to the 2026 Utah Medicaid updates represents a significant shift in how families access essential autism services. These updates enhance access by officially including In-Home ABA Therapy as a covered service, allowing your child to receive evidence-based care…
-
What are the New 2026 Utah Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for Aba Therapy?
Read More »: What are the New 2026 Utah Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for Aba Therapy?The Utah Medicaid ABA therapy rates for 2026 represent the reimbursement amounts set by the state for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. These updates, overseen by the Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD), have introduced significant coverage…
-
What are the Benefits of Neurofeedback as a Form of Holistic Therapy in Utah?
Read More »: What are the Benefits of Neurofeedback as a Form of Holistic Therapy in Utah?Neurofeedback is a targeted holistic therapy modality widely available in clinics across Salt Lake City and Utah County. As part of an integrated wellness approach, it provides specific, evidence-based support for a variety of conditions that affect a child’s daily…
-
How can Holistic Therapy Help with Adhd and Anxiety in Utah?
Read More »: How can Holistic Therapy Help with Adhd and Anxiety in Utah?Holistic therapy in Utah supports children with ADHD and anxiety by focusing on the whole child—considering the mind, body, and environment rather than treating isolated symptoms. In Utah, families have access to several evidence-based modalities that address these specific needs:…
