Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning a disorder of brain development, which is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 1 in 88 American children is on the Autism spectrum. That number continues to change as detection methods improve and as communities, such as ours, find increasing importance in detecting ASD at an early age.
The University Center for the Child and the Family (UCCF) has ASD assessment and treatment programs for individuals ages 1–25 on the Autism spectrum, including the ADI-R, Vineland-II, and ADOS-2 assessments. Please visit our ASD Testing and Evaluations page for more information on these tests, and our ASD Treatment Options page for details on the therapy we offer for clients with ASD.
Symptoms of ASD
The signs of Autism can be seen in children as young as one year, and recognizing these signs can have great implications for the future of that child. First signs of Autism are usually seen around 12–18 months of age, and can include some of the following signs from the lack of expression facially or verbally
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Lack of exchange or interaction with a caretaker
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Very slow or nonexistent language development
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Loss of language or social skills
The first signs of Autism are typically seen when a child does not reach a milestone in development. The CDC provides parents with a milestone resource to read about what developmental milestones are associated with different ages. If you notice that your child is not reaching these milestones, it is time to take action for his or her mental health by calling for an assessment.
Let us at UCCF bring you and your loved one clarity and an environment in which to thrive by setting up an appointment for an assessment or treatment for your child with ASD.
For additional information Autism Speaks website
