About Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people learn, act, and interact with others. Learn more about how Action Behavior Centers is here to support your family with comprehensive autism therapy.
The ABA therapy provided here has been a game changer for my son, who in his own words said "I've learned how to make friends and finally enjoy school." The staff are delightful and knowledgeable, and patiently worked with us as we navigated our own journey through the world of ABA. The staff at ABC gave our family the tools we needed to improve our son's life and ours. It's definitely a team effort and parents need to be willing to put in the investment of learning too, but it's absolutely worth it. We even miss coming here as we had such positive interactions with the staff! Thank you, ABC!
This place is a heaven sent! My son was diagnosed with autism 3 years ago. And he is 6 and now has graduated from this wonderful place! Now heading to first grade! Our son and family has always felt supported here. He never wanted to miss a day! We are definitely going to miss this place! Thank you to the ABC Staff for all that you’ve done for my son! If you’re looking for ABA therapy for your loved one look no further, this is the place to go!
What is autism?
Children diagnosed with ASD may have challenges with social interactions, such as making eye contact, communicating verbally and nonverbally, and understanding social cues. They may also have specific, intense interests or engage in repetitive behaviors. In some cases, they may unintentionally hurt themselves. Autism spectrum disorder is an umbrella term that includes a diverse range of signs and symptoms and can affect people differently.
How common is autism?
Autism is relatively common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States age 8 and younger are diagnosed with ASD. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. Autism rates are consistent across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.1
Early signs of autism
Understand autism signs early with help from trusted clinicians. Reach out today.
Understand autism signs early with help from trusted clinicians. Reach out today.ASD looks different from person to person, often becoming noticeable when a child is still very young. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the guide doctors use to diagnose behavioral health conditions, common signs and behaviors of autism may include:
Social challenges:
- Doesn't make eye contact
- Limited response to their name
- Struggles to understand social cues or nonverbal communication, like facial expressions and gestures
Certain communication behaviors:
- Speech delay, limited speech, or delayed language development
- Repetitive use of language, such as repeating words or phrases
- Difficulty initiating or sustaining conversations with others
Restricted & repetitive behaviors:
- Frequent self-stimulatory behaviors, such as hand-flapping, rocking, head shaking, or fidgeting
- Intense focus on specific topics or objects, often excluding other interests
- Strong preference for routines, becoming upset when they change
Sensory sensitivities:
- Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain sensory inputs, like loud noises and bright lights
- Becomes easily overstimulated, cries, or covers ears in response to loud noises
- Preference for specific sensory experiences, like certain textures or sounds
Motor coordination & daily living challenges:
- Difficulty with fine or gross motor skills, like tying shoelaces, writing, or riding a bike
- Little interest in potty training
- Selective eating or limited food preferences
Developmental milestones by age
Developmental milestones by age
How your child communicates, behaves, learns, and moves says a lot about whether they are meeting appropriate developmental milestones. Developmental milestones are skills or abilities most children can do by a certain age. They help you and your child’s doctor understand how your child is progressing compared to most children their age.
18 months
- Looks to see if a caregiver is nearby, helps with getting dressed, and points at objects.
- Uses a few words and follows simple directions, like “Give it to me.”
- Walks independently, scribbles, and tries to feed themselves with fingers or a spoon.2
2 years
- Uses simple two-word phrases, like “More milk.”
- Points to objects in books, waves, and blows kisses.
- Holds objects with both hands, runs, kicks a ball, and walks up stairs.3
3 years
- Notices and joins other children in play.
- Engages in two-way conversations, asks “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” and “why” questions, says their first name, and speaks clearly most of the time.
- Draws circles, strings items together, dresses partially, and uses a fork.4
4 years
- Forms sentences of four or more words, repeats parts of songs or stories, discusses daily activities, and answers simple questions.
- Recognizes colors, predicts story outcomes, and draws a person with three or more body parts.
- Catches a ball, serves food with supervision, unbuttons buttons, and holds writing tools properly.5
5 years
- Follows game rules, takes turns, answers questions about books, and recognizes simple rhymes.
- Counts to 10, uses words to talk about time, and writes or recognizes letters.
- Buttons clothing.6
