Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience challenges with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors. If you suspect your child has ASD, it’s important to have them assessed. Detecting ASD early is vital because children who receive early intervention have better outcomes.
ASD can present in many different ways and varies from person to person. Our assessments provide diagnostic clarity and will help you have a better understanding of your child. We can detect ASD in children as young as 16 months old.
Testing for ages 16 months and up
Signs Your Child Might Have Autism
ASD presents differently across age groups. Sometimes signs of autism don’t become apparent until children start elementary or secondary school and encounter more challenging schoolwork, more complex social relationships, and more responsibility. Here are some key signs to look for across different age groups:
Toddlers
Appearing to ignore parents.
Not seeking comfort when in distress.
Lack of social interaction (e.g., won’t play peekaboo, doesn’t look when you point at something).
Lack of interest in other children.
Not responding to facial expressions (e.g., not smiling back).
Not using common gestures (e.g., pointing, waving).
Avoiding eye contact.
Crying or getting upset by everyday noises (e.g., loud music).
Delays or regression in language or other developmental milestones.
Children
Preferring to play alone.
Disinterest in other children.
Difficulty understanding and responding to social cues.
Using facial expressions that are out of context for the situation.
Having unusual fears that don’t have a rational cause (e.g., being afraid of people with glasses).
Having a strong attachment to an unusual object (e.g., a string).
Avoiding eye contact.
Insisting on a specific routine and getting upset with changes.
Intense and narrow interests that may consume their attention.
Oversensitivity or undersensitivity to sounds, textures, or smells.
Enjoy making repetitive noises or using repetitive speech.
Repetitive movements, such as rocking, hand-flapping, tapping, or pacing.
Adolescents
Limited social activities and friendships.
Challenges initiating or sustaining conversations.
Difficulty understanding and responding to social cues.
Difficulty understanding and expressing emotions.
Literal interpretation of language and difficulty with figurative language.
Unusual or rigid thinking patterns.
Avoiding eye contact.
Insisting on specific routines and rituals, and getting upset with changes.
Intense and narrow interests that may consume their attention.
Oversensitivity or undersensitivity to sounds, textures, or smells.
Enjoy making repetitive noises or using repetitive speech.
Repetitive movements, such as rocking, hand-flapping, tapping, or pacing.
What to Expect
We take a careful, comprehensive approach when assessing for ASD. Our assessments involve 1) Parent interviews, 2) Objective tests, and 3) Standardized rating scales. Once all of the information is gathered, we put it all together in one comprehensive report.
We’ll sit down and go over the findings with you, answer your questions, and provide recommendations, regardless of whether there’s a diagnosis of ASD.
Next Steps
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an autism assessment, please contact Old Town Psychology at (571) 478-9499, via email at info@oldtownpsychology.com, or submit a message below.
We are a 10 minute walk from the King Street Metro station.
Old Town Psychology
1221 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/autism/?srsltid=AfmBOorZKryHg_CUTkCssrJR0sShDG1aiWTEzd5hN7X4yEhzuMD8qP9o