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 are the Requirements for Cigna to Approve Aba Therapy for Children in Utah?
Read More »: What are the Requirements for Cigna to Approve Aba Therapy for Children in Utah?To secure approval for ABA therapy through Cigna in Utah, families must meet several specific state and insurance requirements. First, the child must have a formal autism diagnosis from a licensed physician. Under Utah’s autism insurance mandate, coverage is typically…
-
Does Cigna Insurance Cover Aba Therapy in Utah?
Read More »: Does Cigna Insurance Cover Aba Therapy in Utah?Yes, Cigna insurance covers ABA therapy in Utah. Under Utah’s autism insurance mandate, plans like Cigna are required to cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for eligible children and young adults with an autism diagnosis up to age 21. This…
-
How Many Hours of Aba Therapy does Insurance Typically Cover in Utah?
Read More »: How Many Hours of Aba Therapy does Insurance Typically Cover in Utah?In Utah, the number of ABA therapy hours covered by insurance varies depending on the specific provider and the individual needs of the child. Based on the state’s coverage landscape, typical hour limits include: Private Insurance Plans: These plans frequently…
-
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…
