Coaching & Consulting Services for Parents Concerned about Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in their Young Children

About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism represents a beautiful aspect of neurodiversity, highlighting the unique strengths of individuals who perceive the world differently. Children with autism may face challenges in understanding social cues, impacting their ability to connect with others. Some may find maintaining eye contact, sharing attention, and engaging in conversations difficult. Communication delays, trouble with nonverbal cues, and repetitive behaviors are also common. Early identification and intervention are crucial. We partner with parents to recognize potential signs of ASD and provide strategies tailored to their child's needs. We also offer guidance on seeking professional diagnosis and accessing specialized support and therapies for children on the autism spectrum.

Autism Heart Puzzle

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Spectrum Disorder

  1. Lack of Eye Contact: toddlers on the autism spectrum often display inconsistent or limited eye contact during interactions.

  2. Limited Social Interaction: They may not respond to their name, show little interest in social interactions, or struggle with understanding social cues.

  3. Delayed Speech and Language: Speech and language delays are common, with some children not starting to speak by age 2 or having difficulty forming sentences. They also typically have difficulty  following simple, single step directions. 

  4. Repetitive Behaviors: Look for repetitive actions like hand-flapping, rocking, arranging objects in specific patterns, or lining toys up. They may become irate if you remove a toy from their line-up.

  5. Difficulty with Routine Changes: Autistic toddlers may become upset with routines change and thrive on predictability. Transitions may be difficult and are likely to cause meltdowns.

  6. Sensory Sensitivities: Heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs like light, sound, or touch is common.

  7. Lack of Pretend Play: Limited imaginative or pretend play is another sign.

  8. Difficulty with Social Play: They may struggle with cooperative or parallel play and prefer solitary activities.

  9. Inconsistent Pointing or Gesturing:  Children on the spectrum may not use pointing or gestures effectively to communicate.

  10. Unusual Attachment to Objects: Some may develop intense attachments to specific objects.

Remember that each child is unique, and the presence of these signs does not definitively mean your child has autism. If you notice several of these characteristics in your child, it’s important to talk to your child’s Pediatrician. Early interventions can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism. 

Start with your child’s Pediatrician and make them aware of your concerns. If your children is under 3, they should refer you to your area Early Intervention program and your child’s service coordinator will guide you through the process and give you the contact information for diagnosing physicians. If your child is over the age of 3, or you are on a wait list for receiving Early Intervention services, Village of Littles is here to help you with every step of the process.

Once your child has received a diagnosis, they are eligible to begin receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA focuses on breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, manageable chunks. It helps children gain crucial skills like communication, social interaction, and adaptive (self-care and feeding) behaviors. If your child is receiving services through an Early Intervention program, their service coordinator will be able to help get you in touch with ABA providers in your area. If your child is over the age of 3, it’s important to contact the Early Childhood Department of your school district if you haven’t already. They will ask for the diagnosis letter and conduct an evaluation and determine what public school services would benefit your child. If all of this sounds overwhelming, Village of Littles is here to help you navigate the process.

 

 

Toddlers with autism may express their distress in various ways when they feel overwhelmed or frustrated. For instance, they might vocalize their feelings through screeching, yelling or tantruming for long periods of time. In some cases, autistic children may react impulsively by fleeing from a situation, acting aggressively by hurting themselves or others. Autistic children often face challenges with maintaining direct eye contact during conversations, preferring to focus their attention elsewhere. Additionally, when expected to sit still, they may struggle and resort to self-soothing behaviors such as rocking, flicking objects, or pacing.

Children who are at risk for autism may display signs of being overly fussy or challenging to comfort. These children might exhibit frequent crying or tantrums compared to their peers. Additionally, they may start crying or fussing without an apparent cause and may not respond to typical soothing techniques.

Furthermore, these children may demonstrate heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, or textures, which could contribute to their distress. Moreover, they might struggle with transitions or changes in routine, leading to increased frustration and emotional outbursts.