Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are developmental disabilities caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. No other causes are yet known. Scientists believe that ASD has multiple causes that, when acted together, change the most common ways people develop. We still have a lot to learn about these causes and how they affect people with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and eventually causes problems in functioning in society, such as in social situations, at school and at work. Children usually have symptoms of autism in the first year. A small number of children appear to develop normally in the first year and then go through a period of regression between 18 and 24 months of age, when autism symptoms appear.

Once a child receives an autism diagnosis, every moment counts. Early Intervention can be a great foundation in building a brighter future with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. We believes in early intervention and is committed to getting your child started as soon as possible.

A child with autism spectrum disorder may have repetitive and limited interests, activities, or behavior patterns, and may even exhibit any of the following signs:

• Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, twisting, or flapping with your hands.
• Do activities that could harm you, such as biting or hitting your head.
• It develops specific routines or rituals and alters itself with the slightest change.
• Has trouble with coordination or shows strange movement patterns, such as being clumsy or walking on tiptoe, and shows strange, stiff, or exaggerated body language.
• Is dazzled by the details of an object, such as the spinning wheels in a toy car, but does not understand the overall purpose or operation of the object.
• Is more sensitive than usual to light, sound, or physical contact, but may be indifferent to pain or temperature.
• It does not participate in imitation or simulation games.
• Obsesses over an object or activity with abnormal intensity or concentration.
• You have specific food preferences, such as eating only a few foods or not eating foods with a certain texture.

A thorough diagnostic evaluation consists of several different pieces of data. Generally, this includes an interview with the caregivers, child observation, and the use of standardized assessment tools or symptom screeners.

There is no way to prevent autism spectrum disorder, but there are treatment options. Early diagnosis and intervention are most helpful, and can improve language, skills, and behavior development.