3 Signs Your Child May Have Autism

According to the CDC, one in every 36 kids in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you suspect that your child may have autism, there are many ways they can receive assistance with their communication skills, cognitive skills, and more through ABA therapy services. However, it's always a good idea to consider having your child screened for autism before seeking treatment. That said, here are three signs to look out for.

1. Your Child Avoids Eye Contact

One of the main signs your child may have autism is that they avoid eye contact or, if they do make eye contact, they may not be able to maintain it. It can be easy to mistake this behavior for just 'being shy,' but in tandem with other behaviors, it could be a sign that your child has autism.

2. Your Child Doesn't Play With Other Children by 36 Months

Again, this behavior is also easy to be mistaken for just being shy or withdrawn. However, many children with autism may not take the initiative or show interest to play with other children. This is because children with autism may have a difficult time understanding social or language cues. In some cases, other children in your child's peer group may misunderstand your child's behavior, which can lead to your child being excluded. With one-on-one ABA therapy services, an ABA technician can help your child develop social skills, play skills, and more.

3. Your Child Gets Upset With Minor Changes

Many of us like to get into a routine and it can be frustrating to have something disrupt it. For someone with autism, interruptions and changes can be especially overwhelming. This can lead to maladaptive behaviors, which can be confusing to a parent at first. If your child routinely responds poorly to minor changes in their routine or in the organization of their toys, it may be a sign that they could have autism if they meet other diagnostic criteria.

If your child does have autism, ABA therapy services can help provide your child with the one-on-one services they need to boost developmental and functional skills while also reducing maladaptive behaviors. For more information on how ABA technicians can help, don't hesitate to reach out to Spectacular Kids today.