If you’re wondering whether an autism evaluation might be helpful for your child, you’re not alone. Many families have questions long before they seek answers from a medical professional. Understanding when an evaluation might be a good idea, as well as what it can offer, is a good place to start.
Autism is a common neurodevelopmental condition. It can affect how someone learns, communicates and experiences the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 31 children aged 8 or older (about 3%) have been diagnosed with autism.
As a parent or caregiver, you may be unsure about what behaviors to be aware of in your child. Maybe you've noticed some differences in how your child is learning or interacting but are wondering if you should have your child evaluated for autism.
Our experts at the UC Davis MIND Institute help answer your questions in this blog. The MIND Institute is a center of research, clinical care and training focused on autism and other developmental disabilities.
Watch the MIND Institute video “Tylenol and Autism: What the Science Says”
What is autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that includes differences in the brain. This can lead to challenges communicating, interacting and learning without support.
Autistic people do not look different than anyone else but may behave, communicate and learn in ways that are different than other people.
Autism features emerge before a child is 3 years old and generally last their entire life. Characteristics of autism can show up in some children in the first 12 months. In others, the traits may not be apparent until they are 2 or 3 years old. Some autistic children meet developmental milestones until about 18 to 24 months of age but then stop learning new skills or lose skills they once had. This is sometimes called regression.
Autism is thought to be three to four times more common in boys than girls, but experts are getting better at recognizing autism in girls. Autism is identified in all racial and ethnic groups.
There are roadblocks to identifying autism and finding the right support because it can show up differently in people. For example, some people have significant intellectual disability while others do not. Some people may have seizures, anxiety or gastrointestinal problems, while others have none. Some have good conversation skills, while others may not speak much or at all.
Learn more about autism resources available in the community
What causes autism?
Autism has no single known cause. The latest research shows that genetics play a major role, and environmental factors may also have an impact. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of autism that act together to change the ways people develop. Researchers continue to investigate the causes of autism.
Does autism run in families?
Yes, MIND Institute research finds that siblings of autistic children have a 20% chance of being autistic themselves. This is about seven times higher than the rate in infants with no autistic siblings.
If you have at least one child with autism, health care providers recommend that you closely monitor their siblings for delays in social development or communication.
Learn more about the MIND Institute’s Early Detection Lab
What are some signs of autism?
Here are some characteristics that may indicate an autism assessment is a good next step:
By 9 months
- Does not respond to name.
- Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry or surprised.
By 12 months
- Does not play simple social games like peekaboo.
- Uses few or no gestures (such as pointing or waving goodbye).
By 15 months, does not share interests with others (such as showing you an object they like).
By 18 months, does not notice or seem interested in other children.
By 24 months, does not notice when others are hurt or upset.
By 36 months, does not seek to join other children in play.
By 48 months, does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero.
At any age:
- Avoids or does not keep eye contact.
- Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed.
- Repeats words or phrases they’ve heard other people say or heard in videos or books (known as echolalia).
- Plays with toys the same way every time.
- Is focused on parts of objects (like wheels).
- Gets upset by minor changes.
- Has unusual or very intense interests.
- Must follow certain routines.
- Flaps hands, rocks body or spins self in circles.
- Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel.
Not all autistic children show all the signs. Many children who don't have autism show a few of these traits, as well. That's why it's important to have your child evaluated by a health care provider.
Learn about current autism studies at the UC Davis MIND Institute
How do I know if I should get my child an autism evaluation?
If your child shows any of the above characteristics during that age range, talk to your child's pediatrician. You can ask them for an autism evaluation. There are also 21 regional centers in California that help support people with disabilities. Help Me Grow Sacramento also has information about general developmental screenings.
As always, if you have any concerns about your child's development, you should talk to their health care provider.
Why is it important to get an early autism assessment?
It is important to talk to your child’s health care provider as soon as you notice possible signs of autism. Early identification and diagnosis of autism helps children get services when they are most beneficial. This can have long-term impacts for the child. Sometimes early screenings can be done via telehealth, making it more convenient.
Learn more about referrals and appointments at the UC Davis MIND Institute
Read more about autism in these UC Davis Health news stories
‘I felt seen’: One family shares their autism research experience
Autism, ADHD or both? Research offers new insights for clinicians
Regulatory T cells altered in children with autism
Exposure to intense wildfire smoke during pregnancy may be linked to increased likelihood of autism
Autistic children are more likely to experience persistent gastrointestinal problems
This blog was medically reviewed by Sally Ozonoff, a licensed clinical psychologist who works with autistic individuals. Her specialty is in early diagnosis in the infant and toddler years. Ozonoff is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
