At BOLD Health, we believe in the power of early and accurate diagnosis to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at every stage of life. Recognizing the signs of autism can look different depending on age, from toddlers to adults. Understanding these signs is essential for seeking timely evaluations, which play a crucial role in helping individuals thrive. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development or an adult seeking answers about your experiences, this guide breaks down the signs of autism by age group and how evaluation can support growth and development.
Is your child or loved one displaying signs of autism? Take the first step towards understanding and support with an autism evaluation in San Diego. Call BOLD Health today at (760) 503-4703.
Signs of Autism in Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
For toddlers, signs of autism often present in subtle ways. Early identification of these signs can make a significant difference in a child’s developmental trajectory. Here are some common indicators to watch for:
1. Delayed Speech or Language Skills
- Many toddlers with autism may not hit typical language milestones, such as saying their first words by 12-18 months.
- They might have difficulty using words to express their needs or may not use gestures like pointing or waving.
2. Limited Eye Contact
- Toddlers with autism often avoid direct eye contact or may not follow objects or people with their eyes.
- They might not engage in typical back-and-forth gaze exchanges, which are common in early communication.
3. Lack of Interest in Social Play
- Toddlers might not engage in pretend play or show interest in interactive games like peek-a-boo.
- They may prefer to play alone rather than with others.
4. Repetitive Movements
- Repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects, may start to emerge during this age.
5. Sensory Sensitivities
- Some toddlers with autism are unusually sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
Why Early Evaluation Matters for Toddlers
Early evaluation allows parents to begin appropriate interventions, such as speech therapy or behavioral therapy, which can greatly improve developmental outcomes. If your toddler is displaying any of these signs, a timely autism evaluation using the ADOS method at BOLD Health can provide clarity and support.
Signs of Autism in Children (Ages 4-10)
As children grow, signs of autism may become more apparent, especially in social and school settings. For parents and caregivers, understanding these signs is key to supporting their child’s success.
1. Difficulty with Social Interactions
- Children with autism may struggle to form friendships or play cooperatively with peers.
- They may not understand social cues, such as body language or facial expressions, and could have trouble participating in group activities.
2. Communication Challenges
- Even if a child has developed speech, they may struggle with conversational reciprocity, meaning they might not know how to engage in a two-way conversation.
- They may use unusual speech patterns, such as repeating the same phrase (echolalia) or speaking in a monotone voice.
3. Intense Focus on Specific Interests
- Children with autism may have highly focused interests, such as memorizing facts about a particular subject like dinosaurs or trains, to the exclusion of other activities.
4. Difficulty Adjusting to Changes
- Routine is often very important to children with autism, and they may become upset by small changes in their environment or schedule.
5. Repetitive Behaviors
- Similar to toddlers, children may continue to display repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, lining up toys, or insisting on certain routines.
Why Evaluation is Crucial for School-Age Children
For school-age children, an evaluation can open the door to accommodations in the classroom and targeted therapies to support their learning and social development. At BOLD Health, our evaluations help families understand their child’s strengths and challenges, and we provide tailored recommendations to ensure they receive the support they need.
Signs of Autism in Adolescents (Ages 11-17)
Adolescence can be a particularly challenging time for individuals with autism, as social expectations and academic pressures increase. Many adolescents may face difficulties that become more pronounced during these years.
1. Struggles with Social Relationships
- Adolescents with autism often find it difficult to navigate complex social relationships, and they may feel isolated from their peers.
- They may have trouble understanding unwritten social rules or may seem awkward in social situations.
2. Difficulty with Abstract Thinking
- Adolescents with autism may struggle with abstract concepts in school, particularly in subjects like literature or philosophy, where understanding nuance and metaphor is key.
3. Sensory Overload
- Sensory sensitivities can become more pronounced during adolescence, especially in overstimulating environments like high school hallways or busy social gatherings.
4. Anxiety and Emotional Regulation
- Many adolescents with autism experience heightened anxiety, particularly in social settings. They may struggle to manage their emotions and could have frequent meltdowns or shutdowns when overwhelmed.
5. Repetitive Behaviors or Rituals
- Adolescents may continue to engage in repetitive behaviors or rituals, such as following strict routines or engaging in self-soothing actions when anxious.
Why Adolescent Evaluations are Vital
During adolescence, an autism evaluation can help families and educators understand how to best support the individual through this often-challenging period. BOLD Health provides evaluations that help clarify an adolescent’s needs, from educational accommodations to therapeutic support. We also help identify co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression, which are common in adolescents with autism.
Signs of Autism in Adults
For many adults, autism may have gone undiagnosed, especially if their symptoms were mild or misunderstood. However, gaining an autism diagnosis later in life can offer immense clarity and validation for their experiences.
1. Difficulty in Social Settings
- Adults with autism may find social interactions exhausting or confusing. They may have trouble maintaining eye contact, following conversations, or understanding social cues.
2. Challenges with Relationships
- Many adults with autism report difficulty forming and maintaining friendships or romantic relationships. They may struggle to understand emotional dynamics or may feel isolated.
3. Strong Preference for Routine
- A need for routine and predictability often persists into adulthood. Adults with autism may feel anxious or overwhelmed when their routine is disrupted.
4. Intense Focus on Specific Interests
- Like children, adults with autism may have specific areas of interest that they pursue with great intensity. This can be an asset in certain careers but may also lead to difficulties in balancing other life responsibilities.
5. Sensory Sensitivities
- Sensory issues can remain a challenge in adulthood, with certain sounds, lights, or textures causing discomfort or anxiety.
Why Adult Evaluations Matter
Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult can be life-changing. It can provide validation for experiences that may have previously been confusing or frustrating. At BOLD Health, we offer autism evaluations for adults that can lead to greater self-understanding and access to appropriate supports, such as workplace accommodations or therapy to address social challenges.
The Importance of Timely Evaluations Across All Ages
Whether it’s for a toddler showing early signs of autism or an adult seeking clarity about their social and sensory experiences, a timely autism evaluation is the key to unlocking the support and resources needed to thrive. At BOLD Health, we use the ADOS method, a gold-standard tool for diagnosing autism, ensuring that individuals of all ages receive a comprehensive and accurate evaluation.
By identifying autism early or even later in life, we can create personalized care plans that address each individual’s unique strengths and challenges. These plans often include therapy, behavioral interventions, and family support, helping individuals with autism lead fulfilling and successful lives.
FAQs
- Can adults be diagnosed with autism?
Yes, adults can be evaluated and diagnosed with autism, even if they didn’t receive a diagnosis in childhood. - What should I do if I think my toddler has autism?
If you notice signs of autism in your toddler, it’s important to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. Early intervention can significantly improve developmental outcomes. - What happens during an autism evaluation?
During an autism evaluation, the individual will undergo structured observations and assessments using tools like the ADOS. The evaluation will provide a detailed understanding of social, communication, and behavioral challenges. - Are autism evaluations different for adolescents?
Evaluations for adolescents are tailored to their developmental stage, focusing more on social relationships, school challenges, and emotional regulation.
Take the First Step with BOLD Health
If you or a loved one is showing signs of autism, it’s never too early or too late to seek an evaluation. Dr. Theodore Germanos and the team at BOLD Health are here to provide expert, compassionate care every step of the way. Whether it’s for a child, adolescent, or adult, we’ll help you understand what an autism diagnosis means and how to move forward with personalized support.
Contact us today to schedule your autism evaluation in San Diego.
Phone: (760) 503-4703