Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that leads to characteristic differences in socialization and communication as well as characteristic behaviors (as defined by DSM-5). It is a spectrum disorder meaning that there is a highly varied set of symptoms among people with autism and varying degrees of severity.

Asperger’s syndrome used to be a separate diagnosis from autism, but has been brought under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in recent definitions of ASD in the DSM-5. Asperger’s tends to refer to people on the less severe side of the autism spectrum, and though the term is no longer used in health care settings, some people may still use it from time to time to describe more mild forms of autism.

The underlying biology in the brains of people with autism is not fully understood by researchers and scientists, and a single underlying process in the brain has not been found. The general consensus among scientists is that genetic factors cause changes in brain structure and connectivity, which in turn affects socialization and communication skills and causes the characteristic behaviors in people with autism. A significant amount of research time and funding is ongoing to better understand the biology of autism. We have additional details on the biology of autism and links to research in our new parent kit.

It’s important to note that the initial signs of autism in children can vary significantly for each child. Different children will often show different signs—some children may show many signs and other children may show few signs. The time course can also vary by child, with some children showing signs at a very young age (first few months of life), others showing signs after 1-2 years of life, and still other children appearing to have a normal development for their first couple of years and then appearing to regress and lose abilities they used to have (such as losing communication skills). And it is also possible to have some of the symptoms of autism but not have autism spectrum disorder. Because of this complexity, a specialized health care provider is needed to establish a diagnosis of autism.

The severity level is intended to capture the level of support and services required by a person with autism. The severity level can also change over time. The three levels are:
Level 1: Requiring support
Level 2: Requiring substantial support
Level 3: Requiring very substantial support

The time course varies by child. Some children show signs at a very young age (first few months of life), others show signs after 1-2 years of life, and still other children appearing to have a normal development for their first couple of years and then appearing to regress and lose abilities they used to have (such as losing communication skills).

For the majority of people, autism is a lifelong condition. Said otherwise, children with autism become adults with autism. There are some examples of children who have received early intensive services and later no longer meet the diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorder. Such children may still need additional support (e.g., educational supports) relative to their neurotypical peers.

Autism is more common in boys. For instance, in Colorado, boys were 4.5 times as likely to be identified with autism than girls based on data from the CDC.

There are a wide range of causes of a speech delay. Some children may have only a delay in language, for which many children “catch up” as they get older and undergo therapy. Other children may have a more general developmental condition where speech delay is one sign of a broader condition, such as autism. Still other children could have other issues such as a hearing impairment. If you notice speech delay in your toddler, you should speak to your pediatrician or a specialized health care provider about your concerns.

Possibly, but not necessarily. About 10% of preschool children have a language delay, but only 2% of children have autism. This means that the majority of children with delayed speech do not have autism. Autism is often accompanied by other signs beyond speech delay. See this infographic for more on the signs of autism and a broader list of potential signs of autism.

If your child is not meeting common developmental milestones, you should mention this to your pediatrician or another specialized healthcare provider like Soar. Examples of common milestones by age-related to language are shown above on our website. You can also check out the CDC’s website on Milestones in Action to see a complete set of videos related to developmental milestones. For those families interested in an assessment or testing for a child, you can read more about our child psychologist Dr. Wischkaemper on the Testing page or reach out to us at the phone numbers above.

A wide body of scientific research supports that early detection of speech delays and early intervention is beneficial to young children. Indeed, the CDC has a campaign called Learn the Signs, Act Early to encourage early detection of potential delays in young children.

Some providers may have been trained during a time when a “watch and wait” approach for developmental concerns was used. Today, leading medical societies including the CDC strongly advocate for early intervention to support a child’s long-term health. If you are in this situation, talk to your provider about your concerns and see if they can be addressed. You can also consider switching to another provider or asking for a second opinion. You are the ultimate advocate for your child!

Early Intervention (EI) is a government-run program focused on helping young children under the age of 3. EI programs and services covered by health insurance offer complementary approaches to helping a child. Some families access only EI services, other families access only health insurance-based services, and some access both. If you think your child needs more than what they are getting in EI, talk to your provider or pediatrician about ways to supplement that care.

Our standard approach is a a comprehensive intake, an ADOS-2, and a Vineland-3. These tools are used to identify autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children, focusing on communication, social interactions, behaviors, and other areas. Additional tests can be added based on the specific child circumstances, if needed.

If your child is showing signs of delayed speech, challenges with social skills, unusual behaviors, or difficulties with changes in routine, it may be beneficial to undergo an autism diagnostic evaluation. These signs can appear as early as 12-18 months of age. If you’re not sure, we recommend consulting with one of our specialists who can guide you through the process and determine if diagnostic testing is appropriate.

The diagnostic testing process involves several steps, beginning with an initial consultation to gather detailed medical and developmental history. Following this, a series of assessments tailored to your or your child’s specific needs will be conducted. These may include direct observation, interactive assessments, and interviews. The entire process is designed to be comprehensive and supportive, ensuring a thorough understanding of each child’s unique strengths and challenges.

The time frame for receiving diagnostic test results can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the specific assessments administered. Typically, preliminary results are discussed immediately following the evaluation, with a detailed report provided within 2 to 4 weeks. This report includes diagnostic findings, recommendations for support and intervention, and resources for further assistance.

Typically, yes, and Soar is in-network with the vast majority of insurance plans. However, insurance coverage for autism diagnostic testing can vary by individual plan, and as such, we contact your insurance company directly to inquire about coverage specifics prior to the assessment. Our clinic also offers guidance and support in navigating insurance questions and can assist with providing necessary documentation for insurance claims.

Conceptually, there are 3 broad categories of treatment modalities used to support children with autism: 1) behavior and communication approaches, 2) medications, and 3) complementary and alternative medicines, including dietary approaches. What is needed for each individual child will vary and should be based on a consultation with an expert provider in autism.

In our view, the overarching goal is to help a child with autism reach their fullest potential and improve their long-term quality of life. This often means helping them develop new skills to navigate the modern world, for instance by helping with speech and communication skills. But this is an important question to ask any provider you may consider.

There is a strong evidence base for early intervention on outcomes, and early intervention is supported by leading U.S. medical societies. Parents should, in consultation with a provider, strongly consider services at a young age to support a child’s long-term growth and development. Research studies have even found physiologic improvements in children who receive early intervention therapy, such as changes on brain wave tests (EEG) when viewing faces and objects.

Behavior therapy for children with autism is typically based on the principles of applied behavioral analysis, or ABA. Simply put, ABA focuses on the use of reinforcement to develop new skills or increase the use of certain positive behaviors. For instance, in a child with delayed speech who likes cars, a therapist might work with the child to say the word “car” and then provide reinforcement for the child saying “car” by giving him or her a toy car. There has been a tremendous amount written about ABA online and it’s easy to get lost, confused, and overwhelmed in the sea of information. Additional detail on ABA and how to evaluate providers is available in our new parent kit that you can download from our website.

There are multiple types of programs rooted in the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Parents are likely to encounter 3 potential programs that leverage ABA principles:

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT):
  • The most classical form of ABA therapy and the most commonly used method today, DTT is a structured teaching methodology, emphasizing one-on-one sessions that break down skills into their simplest components.
  • Each trial consists of a prompt, the child’s response, and a consequence, typically followed by a brief pause before the next trial. This method aims to reinforce positive behavior and skills through repetition and positive reinforcement, facilitating learning and mastery over time.
  • Sessions are typically highly structured where a child and therapist sit at a table and perform trials.
• Natural Environment Teaching (NET):
  • Similar to DTT, NET involves breaking down skills into manageable components. However, it also emphasizes using the individual’s interests and immediate surroundings to prompt behaviors, which are then reinforced in a more fluid and dynamic manner.
•  Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs):
  • NDBIs are contemporary, evidence-based approaches that integrate the principles of developmental science with the learning reinforcement of ABA. They represent a hybrid developmental and behavioral model, designed to promote development across key domains such as language, social, and emotional skills in children with autism and other developmental disorders.
  • Unlike traditional methods that may lean heavily towards either behavioral or developmental paradigms, NDBIs seek to capitalize on the strengths of both approaches. They are characterized by their use in natural settings, their focus on child-initiated activities, and the incorporation of behavioral techniques to reinforce learning.
  • This blend facilitates engaging, interactive learning experiences that are both enjoyable and effective, fostering the child’s development in a holistic manner that aligns with their natural growth trajectories and interests. The Early Start Denver Model, or ESDM, is a well-known NDBI.

Speech therapy is a type of communication therapy typically performed by a Speech-Language Pathologist, a Master’s- or Doctorate-level clinician who specializes in speech and communication. There are many different approaches that a speech therapist may use to support communication in children with autism.

Occupational therapy is a type of therapy typically performed by an Occupational Therapist, a Master’s- or Doctorate-level clinician. Specific approaches will vary by clinician and by child, but can include enhancing sensory processing, supporting self-care and daily living skills (e.g., getting dressed), and assisting with fine motor and gross motor delays.

There are no medicines that have been shown to cure autism or treat its core symptoms. However, a health care provider may prescribe medication to support the well-being and functioning of a child with autism, such as medicines to help manage anxiety or help with sleep.

There is a wide variety of types of autism providers available for families. You can download our new parent guide which goes into detail on questions to ask when evaluating different providers. Some questions you may want to ask of potential providers include:

• What types of services will my child need, and who offers them? (e.g., ABA only or an integrated program of ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other supporting therapies)
• If behavior therapy is recommended for my child, what sub-type of behavior therapy do I want him or her to receive? (e.g., discrete trial training, naturalistic developmental behavior interventions, a hybrid)
• Do I want my child to receive services in a home- or clinic-based setting?
• What is the training and retention for staff? How much staff turnover do they see?
• Is the provider using evidence-based services?
• What are the treatment goals?
• What support will I get as a parent?
• What is their track record of success and outcomes?
• What is the clinic leadership like? Who are they? What do they value?
• Is my insurance accepted?

Yes. If you’d prefer to receive treatment at another provider, we are happy to refer you to another provider or coordinate with another provider on a care plan.

Early Intervention (EI) is a program that provides free services to children under the age of 3 who have a developmental delay or disability, including but not limited to children with autism. Our Learning Center has information on how to access Early Intervention services. Early Intervention services and health insurance-based services can be viewed as complementary approaches to helping a child. EI services tend to be of lower intensity and free to families, focusing on a smaller number of hours (e.g., 1 hour a week) and training of parents. In contrast, health insurance-based services tend to cover more hours of therapy (varies by child but could be 20-30 hours a week) and are paid for by health insurance.

We know that a new diagnosis of autism, or a concern for autism in a young child, can be an emotionally overwhelming time for parents, children, and families. It’s totally normal to feel anxious, sad, worried about the future, overwhelmed, confused, ashamed, frustrated, defeated, or tired—often all at the same time. If you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone. In fact, most people experience this at the beginning of their journey and sometimes throughout it.

Our website covers lots of aspects of autism, but here are some important guiding principles to remember at this stage of your journey:

• Your child is still deserving of love and respect, and they have tremendous potential.
• It’s normal for you as a parent or caregiver to experience a wide range of emotions in response to your child’s diagnosis of autism. For many people, it can take time to make sense of this information.
• Research suggests early intervention is the best support you can give your child to help their development and long-term quality of life.
• Every child with autism is different, so what helps one child or family may not be the best fit for another. Trust your gut: you know what’s right for you and your child.