Early Signs and Diagnosis

The journey to an autism diagnosis often begins with a parent’s initial concern. They may notice early “red flags” like their child avoiding eye contact, not responding to their name, engaging in repetitive movements, or showing a lack of interest in typical games.

These concerns are typically first brought to a primary care practitioner (PCP). The PCP will listen to the parent’s observations and may use a quick developmental screening to decide if a referral to a specialist is needed.

A formal diagnosis is then conducted by a team of specialists, including a developmental pediatrician and a psychologist. They use a variety of tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), to get a complete picture of the child’s development and confirm if they meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Receiving a diagnosis opens the door to post-diagnostic care, a new path focused on giving the child the tools they need to succeed. This often involves therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, all designed to support the child and family in navigating their journey with confidence.