Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing for Children in Baltimore, MD

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of neurological conditions that affect the brain's ability to process social cues, impacting how individuals communicate and interact. The severity of ASD varies greatly, with some experiencing mild symptoms requiring minimal support, while others may need lifelong care. At Bright Start Health, we are committed to supporting your loved one with ASD. From initial diagnosis to ongoing case management, our team of skilled and compassionate providers is dedicated to meeting their needs, regardless of the level of support required.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms vary from mild to severe and can change as a child grows. Symptoms may appear as early as a few months after birth or up to 24 months. Additionally, some ASD symptoms can also be found in people without the disorder. ASD symptoms can be categorized into several groups.

General Signs

Children with ASD might:

• Flap their hands, rock their bodies, or spin in circles.
• Not engage in "pretend" games by 18 months, such as feeding a doll.
• Not point at objects of interest by 14 months, like an airplane.
• Not respond to their name by 12 months.
• Repeat words or phrases repeatedly.

Communication

Autistic children have a wide range of communication abilities. Some communicate well, while others might use language in unusual ways or struggle to form sentences. Examples include:

• Delayed speech and language skills.
• Difficulty understanding jokes, sarcasm, or teasing.
• Giving unrelated answers to questions.
• Reversing pronouns, such as saying "you" instead of "I."
• Speaking in a flat, robot-like, or sing-song voice.
• Development

Children with ASD develop skills at different rates. They might walk at the usual age, but their language and social skills could lag. For instance, a child might excel at puzzles or using computers but have trouble making friends. Predicting when a particular skill will emerge can be challenging due to individual developmental paces.

Social Skills

A common characteristic of children and adults with autism is a lack of social skills. Examples include:

• Avoiding eye contact.
• Not understanding personal space boundaries.
• Difficulty understanding the feelings of others.
• Having flat or inappropriate facial expressions.
• Not being comforted by others during distress.

Unusual Interests and Behaviors

Children with ASD often have unique interests or behaviors, such as:

• Getting upset by minor changes.
• Having obsessive interests.
• Needing to follow certain routines.
• Being fascinated by parts of objects, like the wheels of a toy car.
• Playing with toys in the same way every time.

If you suspect your child might be on the autism spectrum, discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider or pediatrician is important. These professionals can conduct initial screenings and, if necessary, refer you to specialists for further evaluation. An early diagnosis is immensely beneficial for your child's long-term development. Identifying autism early helps access appropriate interventions sooner and clarifies whether your child's symptoms are due to a different condition. Therefore, it is vital to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about the behaviors and signs you observe at home.