Autism spectrum disorder
What is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in early childhood and affects the way an individual behaves, communicates, interacts, and learns. Individuals with autism have difficulty with social communication and also have repetitive/restricted behaviors.
How is Autism diagnosed?
A diagnostic evaluation includes:
- Clinical interview (questions about your child's interactions with others, communication, play, emotions, behavior, transitions, and sensory skills)
- Behavioral observation
- Standardized measures (including both individually administered assessments and rating scales completed by those that know the child best, such as parents and teachers)
- Review of previous assessments (if applicable)
How young can children be diagnosed?
While some children begin to exhibit symptoms of Autism as early as 12 months, children are generally referred for an evaluation beginning at 18-24 month of age. Diagnosis is considered very reliable by age 2. Dr. Paula has expertise in the assessment of children aged 18 months and older.
What are some warning signs that your child may have Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Does not respond to their name when called
- Avoids eye contact
- Does not point to ask for things
- Does not point to show things to others
- Does not use other gestures
- Does not copy actions or words
- Does not use words by age 2 or sentences at age 3
- Does not engage in back-and-forth conversation
- Does not want to play with other children or with toys
- Does not play pretend/make-believe
- Does not follow simple directions
- Struggles with transitions
- Unusual sensory exploration and avoidance (e.g., upset by sounds, looking at things from the corners of eyes, extremely restricted food preferences)
- Rigidity/Insistence on sameness
- Loses skills at any age