INFOGRAPHIC: Why is Early Detection and Diagnosis So Important?

What Is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. About 1 in 44 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. People with ASD have abilities that very significantly. Autism affects each person differently, making it truly a spectrum disorder. People with autism may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. Some people with ASD need a lot of assistance whereas others live very independently with little to no support. Individuals with autism typically do not have any identifiable characteristics that set them apart from other people. Some children show autism symptoms within the first 12 months. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months of age or later. Some children with autism gain new skills and meet developmental milestones until around 18 to 24 months of age, and then they stop gaining new skills or lose the skills they once had.

Signs and Symptoms

People on the autism spectrum often struggle with social interactions and with communication as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviors.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, here.

Learn more about important milestones that your child should reaching, here.

Evaluating your Child

Are you seeing the signs of autism in your child, but don’t have an evaluation yet? Early detection and diagnosis is crucial to improved outcomes and increased success and independence in the long run. You can view our list of early signs and symptoms of autism in babies, toddlers, and young children. Then, you can connect with Lighthouse’s network of professionals that have the expertise to fully evaluate your child for autism.

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