As a parent, you are the expert on your child. You see the small details of their personality and growth every day. Sometimes, you might get a “gut feeling” that your child is developing at a different pace than their peers.
Dr. Jaime DeQuinzio believes that parents should not feel they have to wait for a doctor’s appointment to start looking for answers. You can take the first step and begin the process yourself.
Common Signs That May Point to an Autism Evaluation
Every child is unique, but certain milestones and behaviors can help you decide if it’s time to seek an evaluation by a professional.
You may want to seek a professional opinion if your child:
- Struggles to make eye contact or doesn’t seem to share “happy moments” with others.
- Rarely responds when their name is called or has a hard time telling you what they need.
- Shows more interest in objects than people or plays with toys in repetitive ways (like spinning wheels instead of rolling the car).
- Has unusually strong reactions to certain sounds, lights, textures, or tastes.
- Becomes very upset by small changes in their routine.
Other Important Factors to Consider
Beyond behaviors, there are a few other reasons to consider a developmental evaluation:
- You notice general delays in development, like walking or talking later than expected.
- There is a family history of autism, such as a sibling or cousin on the spectrum.
- Your child was born prematurely.
Trust Your Gut
If you aren’t sure whether you want to seek help, you can use these quick screening tools at home. These are designed for infants and toddlers and can help parents see if an expert’s “second opinion” is needed.
- The M-CHAT Survey: A simple checklist to screen your child for early signs of autism.
- 16 by 16 Guide: A look at 16 early signs of autism by 16 months of age.
Your Next Steps
Share these results with your pediatrician to start a conversation about a referral for an ASD evaluation. You can also reach out to CSABA for an autism-focused developmental evaluation. Our team is here to help you work with your pediatrician to secure a referral if one is needed. Remember: an evaluation is about more than a diagnosis. It’s about giving your child the right tools to help them thrive now and in the years ahead.
At Children’s Specialized ABA, we provide comprehensive autism evaluations and individualized ABA therapy programs across New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia. If you have questions or want to schedule a consultation, reach out to our team today.
