About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Home About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism is the fastest growing disability in the United States.

On average, children identified with autism were not diagnosed until after age 4, even though early signs can be recognized from infancy. It is estimated that one in 68 children is identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Autism is a developmental disability that affects a person’s social interaction and nonverbal and verbal communication. At this time, there is no known single cause of ASD. Research shows that early diagnosis combined with intensive intervention improve the lives of people on the autism spectrum throughout their lifetime.

The diagnosis of ASD is given by professionals using standardized assessments beginning in childhood. Health professionals observe a child and determine a diagnosis based on their behavior and development. At this time, there is no medical test for ASD.

The signs of autism typically are present in early childhood. According to Autism Navigator, the symptoms may include:

  • Lack of or delay in spoken language
  • Limited use of gestures, such as giving, showing, waving, clapping or nodding their head
  • Difficulty using eye contact, gestures and sounds or words all at the same time
  • Does not look right at people or hard to get them to look at you
  • Does not share warm, joyful expressions
  • Does not respond when someone calls their name
  • Unusual ways of moving their hands, fingers or whole body
  • Develops rituals, such as lining objects up or repeating things over and over
  • Excessive interest in particular objects, actions or activities that interferes with social interaction
  • Unusual sensory interests, such as sniffing objects or looking out of the corner of their eye

The average age of autism diagnosis is around four years, even though most cases can be identified by age two, or even as early as 12 months. Some ASD therapies require an official diagnosis, causing a delay during key windows of opportunity for intervention.

PLAY Project interventions can begin before a child is officially diagnosed and as early as when red flags or concerns are noticed. The earliest intervention is critical.

If your child shows signs of autism or if you are concerned about your child’s development, talk to your child’s doctor or ask for a referral to a developmental specialist.

For more information about Autism Spectrum Disorder, click below
What is ASD?

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