A Parent’s Guide to Autism: Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Therapy Options
As a parent, it can be concerning when your child isn’t reaching milestones the way you expected. You may find yourself wondering why they’re not making eye contact, responding to their name, or beginning to talk. If you’ve noticed differences in your child’s development, you’re not alone.
This guide will provide clarity on the early signs of autism and outline the steps to take if you’re concerned about your child’s development. We’ll also explore the therapy options available that can help children with autism build skills, gain confidence, and thrive.
What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, learns, and interacts with the world around them. Because it’s a spectrum, autism looks different for every child, both in the challenges they experience and the level of support needed.
Clinicians look at two primary areas when diagnosing autism: social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior.
Delays in social communication and social interaction may include:
- Lack of eye contact
- Delayed verbal and nonverbal communication skills
- Difficulty starting or maintaining conversations
- Challenges in forming and maintaining relationships
- Trouble understanding social cues
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities may include:
- Repetitive motor movements
- Lining objects
- Fixated interests
- Over-or under-reacting to sensory input (e.g., sounds, lights, textures)
- Rigid routines or distress with changes
To assign a diagnosis, these traits must have been present during a child’s early development period and cause clinically significant impairment in functioning.
Recognizing Early Signs of Autism
Parents and family members are often the first to identify signs of a potential developmental delay. These signs are usually seen by toddlerhood, though some can appear earlier in infancy.
Early signs of autism in a toddler include:
- A lack of eye contact
- Not responding to their name
- An inability to point, wave, or use other gestures
- Doesn’t share interests with other people (e.g., showing toys, pointing out something on the TV)
- Limited speech or functional communication ability
- A monotonous tone
- An inability to follow basic one-step instructions
- Repetitively saying words and phrases (echolalia)
- Repetitive motor movements
- Lining up objects and becoming upset if anyone changes the order
- A lack of interest in other children
- Doesn’t engage in interactive games, like peek-a-boo
It’s important to note that if some or all of these signs sound familiar, it doesn’t necessarily mean your child has autism. Every child develops at their own pace. However, it’s good to be aware of these signs and speak with a medical professional if you’re concerned.
What to Do if You Think Your Child Has Autism
If you suspect autism or you’re concerned about your child’s development, it’s always best to discuss with a medical professional. Trust your instincts. If something feels off about your child’s communication or behavior, it’s worth exploring further.
Here’s what to expect.
- Start with your child’s pediatrician. When you first raise concerns, your child’s pediatrician will typically administer a screening tool, like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R/F). Many pediatricians also conduct these as a standard practice during baby/child well visits to catch warning signs early. During an autism screening, you may fill out questionnaires and/or answer questions regarding your child’s development.
Screening for autism doesn’t provide a diagnosis. Instead, medical professionals use the results of screening tools to identify the need for further evaluation. If the screener shows potential risk factors for autism, they’ll provide a referral for diagnostic testing.
- Schedule a diagnostic evaluation.If your pediatrician recommended further testing, your child will be scheduled for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. During this evaluation, you can expect a combination of interview questions, questionnaires, interactions with your child, and observations of their behavior and abilities.
With the use of diagnostic tests, the medical professional can determine whether your child meets the diagnostic criteria for an autism diagnosis.
- Explore next steps.If your child receives an autism diagnosis, the next step is to learn more about autism and the therapeutic services available to help them thrive.
Therapy Options for Children with Autism
Not every child with autism needs therapy to thrive; however, many of them do. The type of therapy they need will depend on their unique needs. Here are some of the most common therapies that children with autism can benefit from.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a research-backed approach that helps children learn new skills and reduce behaviors that are harmful or get in the way of learning. It’s built on the science of behavior and learning.
A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) starts by completing an assessment and creating an individualized treatment plan. The BCBA then trains registered behavior technicians (RBTs) to administer the treatment plan during 1:1 therapy, often using play-based activities to keep children engaged while learning.
Most children in ABA receive between 10 and 40 hours of therapy each week, making it an intensive and comprehensive model of care. In addition to direct services, the BCBA also conducts parent training sessions. During these sessions, parents and caregivers meet with the BCBA to troubleshoot challenges and learn how to implement strategies, such as positive reinforcement, outside of sessions.
ABA therapists target a wide range of skills and behaviors, including:
- Functional communication
- Social skills
- Self-help skills
- Play skills
- Problem solving
- Self-advocacy
- Interfering behavior reduction (e.g., aggression, self-injurious behavior)
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is another essential service that many children with autism benefit from. Research has found roughly 58% of children with ASD also have a co-occurring communication disorder (Bhat, 2020). Speech therapy helps these children improve their speech, language, and communication skills. They typically receive speech therapy for around 30 minutes 1-2x/week.
Speech language pathologists (SLPs) target areas such as:
- Articulation
- Fluency
- Expanding vocabulary
- Understanding social language
- Using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
- Oral motor difficulties
- Eating or feeding challenges
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities at home, school, and in the community. Sessions are typically about 60 minutes, 1-2/week.
Occupational therapists focus on areas such as:
- Sensory processing challenges
- Self-help skills
- Improving focus and memory
- Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Increasing emotional regulation
- Reducing impulsivity
Physical Therapy
A majority of children with autism struggle with motor challenges. In fact, research has found motor difficulties in 50-95% of individuals with ASD (Miller et al., 2024). Physical therapy can help children strengthen their bodies, improve functional mobility, and better navigate their environment. Physical therapy is typically provided for 60 minutes 1-2x/week.
Physical therapists support children with skills related to:
- Balance and coordination
- Core strength and posture
- Gross motor skills
- Motor planning and sequencing
- Play skills, like climbing and throwing a ball
Is Autism Therapy Coverage by Insurance?
In many cases, autism therapies are covered by insurance. Every state has laws requiring insurance providers to cover autism-related services. However, coverage details can vary depending on your specific insurance provider and plan. At Compleat Kidz, we can verify your child’s insurance coverage to provide you with clarity before beginning services.
Can a Child Outgrow Autism?
Autism is a lifelong condition, so children don’t outgrow it. However, with the right interventions and supports in place, many children make incredible strides. Everyone is different, so the path and pace of development will vary.
Research shows that early intervention is one important factor in helping children reach their full potential, setting the stage for greater independence and skill development over time.
Comprehensive Autism Care in North Carolina
Early recognition and the right therapies can make a lasting difference in your child’s growth, independence, and confidence. Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. We know that every child’s needs are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all model of support. That’s why at Compleat Kidz, our multidisciplinary team of ABA, physical, speech, and occupational therapists work together to create individualized treatment plans that address your child’s specific strengths and challenges.
By bringing multiple therapies into one setting, we make it easier for families across North Carolina to access coordinated, high-quality care. Whether your child needs support with communication, motor skills, daily living, or behavior, our team is here to help them thrive. If you’re exploring autism therapy options, we invite you to learn more about our services at Compleat KiDZ. Together, we can create a brighter future for your child.
References
Bhat A. N. (2020). Is Motor Impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorder Distinct From Developmental Coordination Disorder? A Report From the SPARK Study. Physical therapy, 100(4), 633–644. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz190
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 16). Signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, May 8). Clinical testing and diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/hcp/diagnosis/index.html
McBain, R. K., Cantor, J. H., Kofner, A., Stein, B. D., & Yu, H. (2020). State Insurance Mandates and the Workforce for Children With Autism. Pediatrics, 146(4), e20200836. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-0836
Miller, H. L., Licari, M. K., Bhat, A., Aziz-Zadeh, L. S., Van Damme, T., Fears, N. E., Cermak, S. A., & Tamplain, P. M. (2024). Motor problems in autism: Co-occurrence or feature?. Developmental medicine and child neurology, 66(1), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15674
