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Autism is a developmental disability that begins in early childhood. It is most often associated with deficits in the areas of social skills, communication, interpersonal skills, sensory processing, and physical development. Every child presents autism differently. Their behaviors can span these areas of development and present mildly or severely.
Genes play a key role in the development of autism. Environmental and biological factors contribute as well. Understanding how genes, biology, and environmental conditions more specifically contribute to developing autism is still being researched.
Approximately, 1 in 54 children are shown to have autism. Autism is seen 4 times more often in boys than in girls. Symptoms can be detected as early as 18 months of age.
The scientific community has not yet discovered a single cause for autism. Research suggests that a combination of many factors, both genetic and environmental, increase the risk that a child will develop autism.
There is extensive support that genes are one of the main causes of autism. More than 100 genes across different chromosomes have been identified as causing ASD to varying degrees. The influence of genes on autism is complex, and combinations of different genetic mutations can influence how symptoms and severity. As evidence of the influence of genetics on autism, research has found that autism runs in families, with increased risk for the disorder among siblings or children of individuals with ASD.
Additional risk factors include parental age at the child’s birth (35+ years), premature birth, and various genetic conditions (e.g., Rett syndrome, Fragile X). It is important to remember that risk factors do not imply causation, but rather the increase in probability of having a child with autism. There is no established link between autism and childhood vaccines.
| Symptom | Example(s) |
|---|---|
| Loss of previously acquired verbal skills | Begins to talk at 13 months and then loses language around 2 years old |
| Unusual response to sensory input | Screams and covers ears when the toilet flushes, a baby cries, kids are playing, etc. |
| Failure to make eye contact | Avoids looking at parent during direct play interactions such as peek-a-boo |
| Little interest in other children or caretakers | Prefers to play alone away from others |
| Lack of body language and gestures | Does not point to things he/she wants, does not wave hi and bye |
| Difficulty with changes in routine & transitions | Temper tantrum when school has a day off |
| Obsessive interest in a particular topic | Only wants to watch, play with, and talk about trains |
| Loss of previously acquired social skills | Was approaching mom to play peek-a-boo at 1 year old and now will not approach mom for play at all |
Autism is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 3 years old, even though development differences can show earlier. Symptoms of autism do not develop all at once. Instead, specific symptoms begin to be noticed by parents at different times as a child progresses through developmental stages.
Many children with ASD display developmental differences as early as infancy. At this age, the differences are primarily in the areas of social and language skills. They tend to be subtler symptoms that are difficult to detect by parents at this age. Some examples could be differences in communication changes, early language skills, and interaction with others. These types of differences are generally easier to notice as a child ages out of infancy. During infancy, other skills, like motor skills, may appear to develop on time, which can make the detection of autism of even more difficult.
There are autism tests that can be administered by licensed clinicians as early as 18 months. However, It is more common that testing happens later once a child ages and symptoms become more obvious to parents. Early testing has the benefit of early treatment with stronger, long-term clinical results.
The screening below is designed to identify signs of autism in children aged 16 to 30 months. Please note that this is only meant to function as a quick screener, not a formal assessment or diagnosis. Formal testing is needed to diagnose autism.
Screener results will be either Low, Medium, or High Risk. When you receive the score, included will be recommendations for next steps.
The screener can help parents identify next steps and interventions at an early age. Early support through ABA Therapy is one of the most effective ways to improve long-term outcomes in young children with autism.