Early signs of autism in toddlers can appear in communication, social interaction, play, behavior, and the way a child responds to sounds, routines, or other sensory experiences. If you have concerns about your child’s development, you do not need to wait until the signs become more noticeable before talking with your pediatrician.
Shining Star Clinic provides center-based ABA therapy for children with autism in Silver Spring, Maryland, serving families throughout Montgomery County.
Already have an autism diagnosis? You can start the ABA intake process now. Call Shining Star Clinic at (301) 969-4214 or complete our online intake form.
What Are Some Early Signs of Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder can look different from one child to another. A single behavior does not mean that a child has autism.
The CDC lists differences in social communication and interaction, along with restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests, among common characteristics associated with autism.
- Limited or inconsistent eye contact
- Not responding consistently to their name
- Using few gestures, such as waving or pointing
- Delayed speech or language
- Repeating words or phrases
- Repetitive movements, such as hand flapping or rocking
- Lining up toys or playing with objects in the same way repeatedly
- Becoming very upset by small changes in routine
- Strong reactions to certain sounds, textures, smells, tastes, or lights
- Limited interest in interacting or playing with other children
Children without autism can also show some of these behaviors. Developmental concerns should be discussed with your child’s pediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional.
Source: CDC – Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Signs Parents May Notice During the First Two Years
Development happens at different rates, but parents often notice patterns before anyone else.
Around 9 to 12 Months
You may want to talk with your pediatrician if your baby:
- Rarely responds to their name
- Shows limited facial expressions
- Uses few or no gestures
- Shows limited back-and-forth interaction
The CDC lists not responding to one’s name by 9 months and using few or no gestures by 12 months among examples associated with autism.
Around 15 to 18 Months
Talk with your child’s doctor if you notice concerns such as:
- Limited attempts to share interests with you
- Not pointing to show you something interesting
- Delayed spoken language
- Limited social interaction
- Strong or unusual reactions to sounds, textures, or other sensory input
The CDC lists not sharing interests by 15 months and not pointing to show something interesting by 18 months among social communication differences associated with autism.
Around Age 2 and Beyond
- Repeating words or phrases
- Difficulty with changes in routine
- Repetitive movements
- Playing with toys in repetitive ways
- Intense interests
- Differences in social play
- Delayed language or communication skills
- Strong sensory reactions
The CDC recommends contacting your child’s doctor if you have concerns about development.
What If Your Child Loses a Skill They Previously Had?
Tell your child’s healthcare provider if your child stops using words, gestures, social behaviors, or other skills they previously used. You do not need to diagnose the cause yourself. Give the provider specific examples of what changed and when you first noticed it.
What Should You Do If You Are Concerned?
1. Talk With Your Pediatrician
Describe the specific behaviors you are seeing. Instead of saying, “I think my child is behind,” give examples such as, “My child used to say several words but has stopped using them,” or, “My child rarely responds when I call their name.” Specific examples give the provider more information to work with.
2. Ask About Developmental Screening or an Autism Evaluation
Developmental monitoring and screening can help identify children who may need further evaluation. CDC developmental milestone tools can help parents track development, but they do not replace formal developmental screening or diagnosis. An autism evaluation may involve a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or another qualified clinician.
Source: CDC – Developmental Milestones
3. Start Learning About ABA Services
You do not have to wait until every piece of paperwork is finished before contacting an ABA provider. If an evaluation is already scheduled, you can contact Shining Star Clinic and ask what documents your insurance may require. This can help you prepare for intake while the diagnostic process is moving forward.
ABA services themselves begin after applicable clinical, intake, and insurance requirements are completed.
Your Child Already Has an Autism Diagnosis? Start Here.
If your child already has an autism diagnosis and you are searching for ABA therapy in Silver Spring, MD, you may be ready to start the intake process.
Shining Star Clinic’s intake form lets you submit:
- Your child’s basic information
- Insurance information
- Autism diagnostic report, if available
- Your child’s availability
- Your contact information
Our team can then review your information and explain the next steps.
Prefer to speak with someone first? Call (301) 969-4214.
How ABA Therapy Can Help
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, uses individualized goals and data to teach skills and address behaviors that affect day-to-day functioning.
Goals depend on the child’s individual assessment and may include areas such as:
- Functional communication
- Social interaction
- Play
- Daily routines
- Independence
- Following directions
- Coping with changes
- Reducing behaviors that interfere with learning or safety
Maryland Medicaid describes ABA as an evidence-based treatment for individuals with autism that can increase useful behaviors, including communication and social skills, and reduce behaviors that interfere with learning or may be harmful.
Source: Maryland Department of Health – ABA Program
Center-Based ABA Therapy in Silver Spring, Maryland
Shining Star Clinic provides center-based ABA therapy at:
8121 Georgia Ave, Suite 450
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Our ABA programs are supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts, with behavior technicians providing direct services under clinical supervision. The BACB describes RBTs as paraprofessionals who provide behavior-analytic services under close, ongoing supervision.
Source: Behavior Analyst Certification Board – RBT
We serve families from Silver Spring, Wheaton, Takoma Park, Rockville, and other communities throughout Montgomery County.
You Do Not Need to Figure Out the Process Alone
If you are concerned about possible signs of autism, start by talking with your child’s healthcare provider. If your child already has an autism diagnosis and you are looking for ABA therapy, contact Shining Star Clinic.
Call: (301) 969-4214
The sooner we receive your intake and insurance information, the sooner our team can review what is needed to move forward.
Medical disclaimer: Information on this page is educational and does not replace medical advice, developmental screening, or an autism evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.