Autism Symptoms in Children | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Noticing that your child interacts, speaks, or behaves differently from peers can feel overwhelming. Understanding autism symptoms in children is the first step toward getting the right support. Cadabam’s CDC has spent over three decades guiding parents just like you—offering clarity, evidence-based assessments, and therapy plans tailored to each child’s unique strengths.
1. Quick Snapshot: What Are Autism Spectrum Symptoms?
Key Takeaways in 30 Seconds
- Social Communication Delays: Limited eye contact, late or absent speech, difficulty in back-and-forth conversation.
- Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests: Lining up toys, intense fascination with specific topics, hand-flapping.
- Sensory Differences: Over- or under-reaction to sounds, textures, lights, or movement.
When to Act
If you notice two or more red flags by 18 months—or any sudden loss of previously mastered skills—book an autism screening. Early intervention before age four typically leads to the best long-term outcomes.
2. Autism Signs in Young Children (Ages 1–4)
Social Communication Red Flags
- 12–18 Months
- No big smiles or joyful expressions by 6 months.
- No sharing of sounds or facial expressions by 9 months.
- No babbling, pointing, or gestures by 12 months.
- 18–24 Months
- Not responding to their name.
- Limited eye contact when making requests.
- Loss of words or social skills at any time.
Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests
- Hand-flapping, spinning, or rocking when excited.
- Extreme distress at small changes in routine.
- Lining up toys in precise order rather than playing imaginatively.
Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding
| Sensory Seeking | Sensory Avoiding |
|---|---|
| Constantly crashing into furniture. | Covers ears at everyday sounds. |
| Licks or mouths non-food objects. | Refuses “messy” textures like finger paint. |
| Seeks spinning, swinging for long periods. | Startled by background noise in supermarkets. |
3. Autism Symptoms in Older Children (Ages 5–12)
School-Age Social Challenges
- Struggles to make or keep friends.
- Talks “at” people rather than having a two-way conversation.
- Difficulty understanding jokes, sarcasm, or facial cues.
Academic & Executive-Function Difficulties
- Reads early but can’t summarize what they read.
- Forgets homework even when it’s completed.
- Trouble shifting between tasks or adjusting to timetable changes.
Emotional Regulation & Co-Occurring Anxiety
- Meltdowns triggered by noise, group work, or unexpected tests.
- Frequent stomach-aches or headaches before school.
- Perfectionism leading to extreme frustration over minor mistakes.
4. Autism in Girls vs. Boys: Differences Parents Miss
Masking & Camouflaging
Girls often imitate peers, rehearse phrases, or stay close to adults to “blend in.” This masking can delay diagnosis until social demands exceed their coping skills—sometimes not until middle school.
Social Motivation Patterns
- Boys: May withdraw entirely when overwhelmed.
- Girls: Often hover at the edge of groups, appearing shy but socially motivated. Their restricted interests (e.g., dolls, animals) may look “typical,” making the intensity easy to overlook.
5. Step-by-Step: How We Assess Autism at Cadabam’s CDC
Screening Tools We Use (M-CHAT, ADOS-2, CARS-2)
- M-CHAT-R/F (16–30 months): Quick 20-question parent screener.
- ADOS-2: Gold-standard play-based assessment for social and communication skills.
- CARS-2: Rates behavior across 15 domains to determine severity.
Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation Process
- Developmental Pediatrician: Rules out medical causes.
- Clinical Psychologist: Administers ADOS-2 & cognitive tests.
- Speech-Language Pathologist: Evaluates receptive & expressive language.
- Occupational Therapist: Identifies sensory and motor challenges.
Timeline & What to Expect on Day One
- Week 0: Parent intake form & M-CHAT-R completed online.
- Week 1: 90-minute play-based observation in our child-friendly assessment room.
- Week 2: Parent feedback session with written report and individualized therapy plan.
6. Evidence-Based Treatment Plans We Offer
Early-Intervention ABA
- Intensity: 15–25 hours per week for ages 2–5.
- Focus: Language, social skills, daily living routines.
- Parent Training: Weekly coaching so progress continues at home.
Speech & Language Therapy
- Targets both verbal and non-verbal communication using PECS & AAC devices when needed.
- Group sessions to practice conversation skills with peers.
Occupational Therapy for Sensory Issues
- Sensory diets to help regulate energy levels.
- Fine-motor programs for handwriting and self-care tasks.
- Visual schedules and coping kits for smoother transitions.