Autism Testing: How To
Identify Autism in Children
Guiding you through every stage
Comprehensive Autism Assessments
If you think your child may be on the autism spectrum, our team provides in-depth evaluations using well-established, research-based assessment methods.
What Is Autism
Noticing that your child isn’t meeting developmental milestones can be a stressful experience. You likely have many concerns, so let’s start with the fundamentals.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication, social skills, learning, and behavior. It typically appears in early childhood, though its exact cause remains unknown. Autism affects children from all backgrounds.
Because autism exists on a spectrum, each child’s experience is unique. Some children may be nonverbal, while others communicate fluently. Sensory sensitivities vary as well. Some children react strongly to sounds or bright lights, while others do not.
At Trellis, we believe early intervention is crucial in getting the right support for your child. We’re here to assist you from the very beginning.
Recognizing the Signs
Autism can be difficult to identify because symptoms vary widely. However, there are early indicators you may notice. Observing whether your child is reaching key developmental milestones can provide important clues.
In the first five years of life, children develop skills such as walking, talking, and socializing. Since you know your child better than anyone, trust your instincts. If they seem delayed in certain areas, take note and discuss your concerns with a pediatrician.
Possible signs of autism can include:
- Not smiling at others by 6 months of age
- Not pointing or using gestures to communicate by 12 months
- Not babbling or making playful sounds by 12 months
- Not using single words such as “mama” or “dada” by 16 months
- Not forming simple two-word phrases such as “want cup” or “go play” by 24 months
- Not responding to voices, sounds, or their own name by age 3
- Avoiding eye contact by age 3
- Showing little interest in other children or caregivers by age 3
- Losing skills they previously had at any point before age 3
Getting an Autism Diagnosis
If you notice an early sign or have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right, talk to your child’s pediatrician.
There is no medical or blood test to diagnose autism. Instead, specialists evaluate a child’s developmental history and behavior. They may also conduct tests to rule out other conditions, such as hearing or speech difficulties.
If your pediatrician suspects autism, they will refer you to a specialist for a detailed evaluation. This may include a developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist.
What a Comprehensive Autism Evaluation Includes:
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An interview with parents or caregivers |
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A complete medical examination |
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A review of all related medical, psychological, and school records |
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An assessment of your child’s cognitive, developmental, and adaptive functioning skills |
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An observation of your child playing |
We know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’re here to partner with you and to support you from day one. We give you the tools and training you need to nurture your child’s unique potential.
