The first signs of ASD are typically present before the age of three and last throughout the lifespan. As the name indicates, there is a significant and complex range of characteristics that can present in any combination and range in severity with an Autism diagnosis. No two individuals with Autism are the same.

 

While there is a great deal of variability across the Autism spectrum, there are primary characteristics that are common among individuals with Autism, specifically related to social, emotional and language development.  Due to differences in the brain, people with Autism often have different ways of processing, interpreting and reacting to information, stimuli, and/or people. For more information on the specific characteristics associated with Autism spectrum disorders, visit the CDC’s list of “Signs and Symptoms”.

 

Additionally, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has a list of “Red Flags” to give caregivers information about what to look for in an individual’s development, which can be found here.