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
-
Is Aba Therapy Covered by Medicaid in Utah?
Read More »: Is Aba Therapy Covered by Medicaid in Utah?Yes, ABA therapy is covered by Medicaid in Utah. Specifically, coverage is provided through the Childrens Health Evaluation and Care (CHEC) program. This program is a vital resource for families with children under the age of 21 who have received…
-
What Requirements must be Met for Insurance to Cover Aba Therapy in Utah?
Read More »: What Requirements must be Met for Insurance to Cover Aba Therapy in Utah?To secure insurance coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in Utah, families must meet several specific requirements across private and public health plans. Foundational Requirements: Formal Diagnosis: A documented autism diagnosis from a qualified professional, such as a physician…
-
How do I Verify if Insurance Covers Aba Therapy for my Child in Utah?
Read More »: How do I Verify if Insurance Covers Aba Therapy for my Child in Utah?To verify and secure ABA therapy coverage for your child in Utah, you should follow these practical steps: Review your policy: Check your health insurance documents specifically for autism-related behavioral therapy inclusions. Contact your insurer: Call the customer service department…
-
Does my Health Insurance Plan Cover Aba Therapy in Utah?
Read More »: Does my Health Insurance Plan Cover Aba Therapy in Utah?In Utah, health insurance plans typically cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy due to state mandates such as SB 57 and SB 95. These laws require state-regulated plans, including individual and fully insured large group policies, to provide coverage for…
-
How Long does it Take to Get Started with In-home Aba Therapy in Utah?
Read More »: How Long does it Take to Get Started with In-home Aba Therapy in Utah?Starting in-home ABA therapy in Utah with Golden Touch ABA Therapy involves a structured process that typically takes between three to six weeks from initial contact to the first session. The timeline is broken down into the following stages: Initial…
