Early Signs of Autism: When to Seek an Evaluation
Understanding Developmental Red Flags and Taking the First Step
As a parent or caregiver, observing your child’s development is a source of joy, but sometimes, it can bring questions. Noticing developmental differences is normal, and knowing when to seek professional guidance is the most important step you can take. Early Intervention for Autism can profoundly change a child’s future trajectory.
At Myers Assessment & Therapeutic Service (MATS), we are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. This article outlines the Early Signs of Autism and explains how our Early Intense Behaviour Intervention (EIBI) Clinic can provide the crucial support needed.
Developmental Red Flags: Key Signs by Age
While every child develops at their own pace, there are established developmental milestones. If your child is consistently missing these milestones, or if you notice any of the following “red flags,” it’s time to consider a professional evaluation.
By 6 to 9 Months:
- No big smiles or warm, joyful expressions by 6 months.
- No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by 9 months.
- No babbling by 9 months.
By 12 to 18 Months:
- No pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months.
- No single words by 16 months.
- Does not respond to their name when called.
- Poor eye contact or difficulty maintaining a shared focus.
By 24 Months (2 Years):
- No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or echoing).
- Loss of speech, babbling, or social skills at any age (this is critical and requires immediate consultation).
- Excessive and repetitive behaviors (like flapping hands, rocking, or spinning objects).
- Lack of pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll, driving a toy car).
Important Note: These signs do not automatically mean a diagnosis of Autism, but they do indicate a need for further evaluation by a specialist.
Why Early Intervention Matters: The Power of EIBI
The Importance of Brain Plasticity
The period between birth and five years old is a time of incredible neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. When intervention begins during this critical window, a child’s brain is highly receptive to learning new skills and developing new pathways.
Early Intervention (Link to MATS Early Intervention page) can:
- Improve long-term outcomes in learning, communication, and social skills.
- Reduce the need for more intensive support later in life.
- Enhance the child’s quality of life and ability to participate fully in family and community activities.
The Autism Diagnostic Process at MATS
Seeking a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but at MATS, we make the Autism Diagnostic Process clear, comprehensive, and supportive. The diagnostic process is the gateway to accessing the right services.
Steps for Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment Planning:
- Initial Consultation: We begin with a thorough intake to understand your concerns, your child’s history, and your family’s goals.
- Specialized Assessment: Our experienced clinicians conduct gold-standard Diagnostic Assessments (Link to MATS Diagnostic Assessment page), often involving observation and standardized tools.
- Diagnosis and Feedback: We provide clear, detailed feedback, answering all your questions about the diagnosis (or lack thereof).
- Customized Treatment Plan: Crucially, the diagnostic step leads directly into Treatment Planning, where we outline a personalized path forward, including goals for our Early Intense Behaviour Intervention (EIBI).
How MATS’ Early Intervention Clinic Can Help
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, or if a child is showing strong developmental delays, the MATS Early Intense Behaviour Intervention (EIBI) Clinic provides specialized, high-intensity ABA Therapy designed for toddlers and preschool-aged children.
Key Features of EIBI at MATS:
- Intense Schedule: EIBI typically involves a higher number of therapeutic hours per week, maximizing the benefits during the critical early years.
- Focus on Foundational Skills: We target core deficits in communication, social interaction, and play skills.
- Clinic-Based Treatment: While we offer Natural Environment ABA, EIBI often begins in a Clinic Based Treatment setting, which allows for highly controlled, focused, and consistent teaching.
- Comprehensive Parent Training: We equip parents with the strategies needed to support their child’s learning outside of therapy sessions, ensuring skills generalize across environments.
If you suspect developmental differences, don’t wait. Early action is the most powerful form of advocacy.
