{"id":1738,"date":"2022-04-04T09:39:46","date_gmt":"2022-04-04T09:39:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/appliedabcstg.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=1738"},"modified":"2025-06-23T11:21:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T15:21:14","slug":"autism-early-detection-screening-and-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/appliedabc.com\/es\/autism-early-detection-screening-and-diagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Autism Early Detection: Screening And Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Over the past decade, the growing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been a cause of concern and speculation for parents across the US. Unlike other conditions, there\u2019s no easy medical test to diagnose ASD. Instead, specialized doctors \u2013 typically a developmental pediatrician or a child neurologist \u2013 must individually assess each child\u2019s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis.<\/p>\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that while ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger, most children don\u2019t receive a final diagnosis until they\u2019re much older. In fact, the average age of diagnosis falls just shy of 4 and a half years, based on recent estimates from the CDC. This delay in diagnosing ASD often means that children are unable to get the early help and specialized support they need to meet key developmental milestones, build independence, and improve their core communication skills.<\/p>\n

What Are the Early Signs of Autism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

First, it\u2019s important to note that autism affects every child differently \u2013 the early signs aren\u2019t always identical. Everyone, regardless of underlying developmental issues, has their own strengths, challenges, and needs. These differences can make early autism detection quite challenging, which is why parents should pay close attention to key developmental milestones<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The CDC lists the following early signs and symptoms as possible indicators of ASD in children:<\/p>\n

Delays in Social Communication and Interaction Skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Early on, parents should be looking out for signs of limited language and nonverbal communication development. This includes things like a lack of consistent eye contact, an inability to move beyond babbling, and an inability to make requests with words.<\/p>\n

Communication, socialization, and interpersonal interactions can be challenging for children with ASD. Avoiding eye contact altogether is\u00a0a common sign of autism (regardless of age), whereas other symptoms are more closely related to developmental delays. Here are other, age-specific signs of autism parents should keep an eye out for:<\/p>\n

9 months<\/strong><\/p>\n