About Children's Specialized ABA

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. If something feels different about how your toddler communicates, interacts with others, or processes their world, that instinct matters. Early identification of autism spectrum disorder gives children the best chance to thrive, and research shows that early intervention services, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, can significantly improve outcomes. This guide walks you through the common early signs of autism in young children, when to seek evaluation, and how parents in New Jersey and Arizona can access assessment and treatment services through Children’s Specialized ABA and your state’s early intervention systems.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how children communicate, process sensory information, and interact socially. It’s called a spectrum because autism looks different in every child, what’s typical for one autistic child may not apply to another. Some children have significant support needs, while others are highly verbal and independent; both are on the spectrum. Autism is not a behavior problem or a result of parenting style. It’s a neurological difference that’s present from birth, though signs may become more noticeable as children develop and face increasingly complex social and communication demands. Research from the CDC estimates that autism affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States. Boys are diagnosed more frequently than girls, though girls are often underdiagnosed because autism can present differently or be masked in social situations.

Early Signs of Autism (12-36 Months)

Developmental differences can appear as early as 6-12 months, though most parents notice changes between 12 and 36 months. Here are the most common early warning signs:

Social & Communication Signs

Limited eye contact or unusual gaze patterns: Your child may avoid looking at you during interaction, prefer to look at objects, or show intense, unusual eye contact patterns. Delayed speech or language: Your child may not use words by 16 months, doesn’t follow simple directions, or shows little interest in back-and-forth communication (calling for you, showing you things). Limited gesturing: Most toddlers point to objects they want or to show you something interesting. Children with autism may have fewer of these pointing and showing behaviors. Less social interest or responsiveness: Your child may not respond reliably to their name, seems disinterested in other children, or doesn’t seek out social interaction or comfort from parents. Unusual response to sounds: Your child may not startle at loud noises, seems oblivious to speech, or covers their ears in response to everyday sounds.

Behavioral & Sensory Signs

Repetitive movements or play: Hand flapping, spinning, lining up toys repeatedly, or spinning objects are common repetitive behaviors. These behaviors can be soothing and help with sensory regulation. Strong sensory preferences: Your child may be fascinated by lights, fans, or spinning things. They might repeatedly watch the same video clip or become distressed by certain textures, foods, or sounds. Inflexible routines: Your child becomes upset if routines change, insists on eating the same foods, or becomes dysregulated when transitions happen (leaving the house, changing activities). Unusual play patterns: Rather than pretend play, your child may line up toys, take them apart, or play with only one part of a toy. Limited imaginative play is a common early sign. Sensory sensitivities: Your child avoids certain textures, covers ears at sounds, becomes upset during transitions, or has strong preferences for certain tags, clothing, or foods.

When to Seek Evaluation

Trust your instincts. If you notice any of these signs, early evaluation is important. You don’t need a formal diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician to begin exploring services, early intervention systems in NJ and Arizona offer evaluation and services to children even before a diagnosis is confirmed. Consider seeking evaluation if:

• Your child has lost skills they previously had (regression)
• Speech is significantly delayed compared to same-age peers
• Social interaction or communication looks different from siblings or other toddlers
• You’re noticing repetitive behaviors or sensory sensitivities
• Your child isn’t meeting developmental milestones in social-communication areas

Early intervention is most effective between birth and age 3. Starting services early, before school age, gives children the best opportunity to develop stronger communication and social skills during critical developmental windows.

Early Intervention in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the Early Intervention Program (EIP) serves infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided at no cost to families, funded by Medicaid and the state. To access NJ Early Intervention:

1. Call your local EIP program or visit nj.gov/health/fvh/eip
2. Request an evaluation (no diagnosis needed)
3. If your child qualifies, receive services at home or in community settings
4. Services may include speech, occupational, and behavioral services

When your child turns 3, services transition to your school district’s special education program. At this point, parents may choose to supplement school services with private ABA therapy through Children’s Specialized ABA.

Early Intervention in Arizona

In Arizona, the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) oversees early intervention services through regional programs. Arizona’s Early Intervention Program serves children from birth to age 3. To access Arizona early intervention:

1. Contact your regional DDD Behavioral Health Authority
2. Request an evaluation (free assessment)
3. If eligible, receive services including ABA therapy, speech, and occupational therapy
4. Services may be provided in-home or in community settings

Arizona also covers ABA therapy through AHCCCS (Medicaid) for children with autism. Many families combine state early intervention services with private ABA therapy for more intensive support.

The Role of ABA Therapy in Early Identification & Treatment

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach to understanding and changing behavior. For young children with autism, ABA therapy focuses on:

• Building communication and language skills through naturalistic teaching and structured learning
• Developing social skills and peer interaction
• Increasing independence in self-care routines
• Reducing challenging behaviors by understanding their function
• Teaching new skills in the context where the child will use them

In-home ABA therapy is particularly effective for young children because it targets the skills they need in their own environment, communicating with family, participating in meals, cooperating with routines, and interacting with siblings. Many children begin ABA therapy before they have a formal autism diagnosis, especially if evaluation suggests significant developmental delays in communication and social domains. Early, intensive ABA therapy can prevent skill gaps from widening and give children stronger foundations for learning.

Getting a Formal Diagnosis

While early intervention can begin based on developmental delays alone, many parents want a formal autism diagnosis for educational planning and accessing insurance-covered services. A comprehensive autism evaluation typically includes:

• Developmental history from parents
• Observation of play, communication, and social interaction
• Standardized assessment tools like the ADOS-2 or CARS-2
• Review of developmental records and video
• Medical evaluation to rule out other conditions

In New Jersey and Arizona, developmental pediatricians, clinical psychologists, and autism specialists can provide evaluations. Ask your pediatrician for a referral. Some evaluations can take weeks or months, so starting the process early is important.

Supporting Your Child at Home While Awaiting Services

You don’t need to wait for a formal diagnosis or evaluation to support your child’s development. Here are evidence-based strategies parents can use right now:

• Create predictable routines and use visual schedules to help your child understand what comes next
• Expand on your child’s interests, if they love wheels, use that to teach language (“big wheel,” “roll,” “fast”)
• Narrate what you’re doing during daily activities (“We’re putting on shoes now,” “We’re washing hands”)
• Follow your child’s lead in play rather than imposing your agenda
• Be patient with communication, give your child time to respond before jumping in
• Make social interaction fun, peek-a-boo, chase games, singing together
• Use simple language and repeat key words
• Celebrate small steps and attempts

These strategies align with evidence-based practices and can make a real difference while you’re exploring formal evaluation and services.

When Early Signs Might Point to Something Else

Not all early developmental differences point to autism. Some children have speech delays, hearing issues, or other developmental differences. A comprehensive evaluation helps clarify what’s happening. This is another reason early evaluation is so valuable, professionals can identify what services your specific child needs. That said, autism and other conditions can co-occur. A child might have autism and a language disorder, autism and sensory processing differences, or autism and other developmental needs. Comprehensive evaluation looks at the whole picture.

Supporting Your Child’s Development Across Both States

If your family moves between New Jersey and Arizona or splits time between states, both have strong early intervention systems and private ABA providers. Children’s Specialized ABA serves families in New Jersey and across Arizona, helping with consistent, coordinated care as your family’s situation changes. Transfers between state systems typically require new evaluations and enrollment in the receiving state’s program, but most of your clinical progress and records transfer, giving your child continuity in support.

FAQ: Common Questions About Early Signs of Autism

Q: My child has some of these signs but also has a big vocabulary. Could they still have autism? A: Absolutely. Autism looks different in every child. Some autistic children are highly verbal but struggle with social communication (like understanding sarcasm or maintaining conversations). Others are nonverbal or minimally verbal. Speech ability doesn’t rule out autism. Q: My pediatrician said “boys just develop slower” or “girls with autism are rare.” Should I still pursue evaluation? A: Trust your instincts. Developmental differences shouldn’t be dismissed based on gender stereotypes. Girls with autism are often underdiagnosed because autism can present differently or be masked. If you’re concerned, seek a second opinion from a developmental pediatrician who specializes in autism. Q: At what age should I be concerned if my child isn’t talking? A: By 16-18 months, most children have at least a few words or word-like sounds. By 2 years, they typically use 50+ words and combine words. If your child is significantly behind, evaluation is worth exploring. Q: Does early intervention really make a difference? A: Research consistently shows that early, intensive intervention improves outcomes, particularly for communication and social skills. Starting services between birth and age 3 is more effective than waiting until preschool or school age. Q: If I get my child evaluated and they’re not autistic, was it a waste of time? A: No. Early evaluation clarifies what your child needs. If autism isn’t the diagnosis, evaluation might identify speech delay, hearing issues, or other developmental needs that benefit from early services. Q: How do I talk to my pediatrician if I’m concerned about autism? A: Be specific. Rather than saying “I think something’s wrong,” describe what you’re observing: “My 18-month-old isn’t using any words,” “She doesn’t respond to her name,” or “He lines up toys but doesn’t play with them imaginatively.” Pediatricians respond well to concrete observations. Q: Is autism always lifelong? A: Autism is a lifelong neurological difference, but with support, skills, and strategies, autistic individuals learn, grow, and thrive. Early intervention doesn’t “cure” autism, but it builds stronger foundations for communication, learning, and independence.

How to Access Autism Evaluations and Support Services

If you’re noticing early signs of autism in your young child, the best step forward is evaluation. Early intervention through your state’s program (New Jersey’s EIP or Arizona’s DDD) is free or low-cost and can get services started quickly. For families in New Jersey and Arizona who want additional support, in-home or center-based ABA therapy through Children’s Specialized ABA complements state services and provides more intensive, individualized support. You don’t need certainty or a formal diagnosis to reach out. Early intervention evaluators are trained to assess children and identify what services would benefit your child, whether that’s ABA therapy, speech, or other support. Your child’s early years matter. If something feels different, trust that instinct and explore evaluation. Early support makes a profound difference in your child’s development and your family’s journey. Ready to learn more about early intervention and ABA therapy for your child? Contact Children’s Specialized ABA today for a free consultation. Our team can answer your questions about early signs, evaluation, and how ABA therapy supports young children in New Jersey and Arizona. Your child’s development starts now. Request an assessment or schedule a parent consultation with our team.