Recognizing the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

For parents, family members and caregivers, being aware of the earliest signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucially important. Early evaluation can make a significant difference in providing services that will positively affect the quality of life for your child and your entire family.

The team at Total Care Therapy wants family members to know about the widely recognized milestones in a child’s development that can indicate whether they may be on the autism spectrum. The age and severity of these benchmark behaviors often differ, sometimes becoming evident during infancy, and in other instances not appearing until the child reaches the age of two or three years.

Here are some of the indications occurring at any age that may indicate your child is at risk for ASD and should be evaluated by a pediatrician or other healthcare provider:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Few smiles or engaging expressions
• Delayed development of language, or the loss of previously acquired speech
• Repetitive movements and behaviors such as rocking back and forth, hand-flapping, fidgeting with objects, repeated sounds or phrases
• Strong reactions to sounds, lights and colors
• Resistance to even minor changes in surroundings or routines
• Often chooses solitude rather than activities with others
• Limited interests
• Limited or no recognition of other people’s feelings

Screenings for ASD are an absolutely critical step in the process and should not be delayed.

Should your family member require services for ASD, we want to help. Our practice is solely dedicated to providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is highly effective in achieving measurable improvements in  communication, learning, and social skills.

Total Care Therapy provides an individualized, one-on-one treatment plan for each child, at home and in other key social settings, and includes training and resources for the entire family. Our staff is ready to answer the questions and concerns that are common during this process. Please contact us today to arrange a consultation.