Autism Guide
Understanding autism at any age — at home, at school and in life.
WRITTEN BY:
Micaelia Randolph, EdD, MA
Educational Consultant
REVIEWED BY:
Melanie V. Hsu, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Program Manager
CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services
A View of Autism Across the Lifespan
Autism is a set of complex neurological variables that impact development, behavior, social interactions and communication. Early diagnosis and intervention can result in long-term positive impact and the strong possibility of reaching one’s full potential. It’s important to consider the challenges and strengths associated with autism. As of the 2020 census, the CDC reports 1 in 36 children in the US have autism with 4 times as many boys as girls diagnosed. With a wide variety and intensity of symptoms, each child has a unique combination of challenges and gifts. Treatment improves symptoms and can help support a full and meaningful life.
Young Child
The signs of autism vary widely. In young children these are some commonly observed early symptoms:
- May not respond to name
- Recognizes patterns
- Not talking as much as others
- Little to no pretend play
- Strong memory for rote information (e.g., names of colors, shapes, vehicles)
- Limited interests
- Sensitive to sensory stimuli
- May become easily aggravated
- Little interactive play with same-aged peers
- Repetitive movements
School Age Child
As children experience more social situations (like school), the lack of social skills may begin to become more apparent. Commonly observed traits may include:
- Doesn’t seem to respond to others’ thoughts or feelings
- Repetitive movements
- Good vocabulary
- Likes daily routines
- Difficulty with transitions
- Learns to read early but may struggle with comprehension
- Hyperfocused on areas of interest to them
- Memorizes easily
- Uses facial expressions that don’t match their message
- Difficulty making friends
- Sensitive to sensory input
- Excessive attention to detail
Adolescent
During the adolescent years, teens are exposed to new social situations, which can cause anxiety. Sometimes this is when girls (or those assigned female at birth) may start to show more social concerns.
- Unusual challenges in developing friendships
- Difficulty understanding subtle communication cues like tone, facial expression or body language
- Focuses on patterns or details that others may not
- Prefers to isolate and focus on specific interests
- Unusually honest
- Sensitive to sensory input
- Appears to be rude without meaning to be
- Lacks conversational skills
- Difficulty applying learned information
Adult
Symptoms may be similar to those of adolescents. Adulthood is filled with new challenges, such as managing money, finding and keeping a job and more.
- Trouble understanding what others are thinking or feeling
- Uncomfortable in social situations
- Strong visual thinking
- Trouble making friends or dating
- Very focused on a specific interest
- Avoids eye contact
- Difficulties with independent living
- Participates in limited number of activities
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Top questions answered by CHC experts.
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CHC Voices of Compassion Podcast
Our weekly CHC podcast with expert insights, inspiration and creative conversations about mental health, education and family.
I Just Learned My Child Has Autism — Now What?
EPISODE 27, SEASON 2 | APRIL 13, 2022
with Seema Motwani, Otr/L and Gina G. Baldi, MEd
The CDC and National Health Statistics Reports estimate that there is a 1-2% chance of a child being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the rates for boys are higher than that for girls. So, if your child has just been diagnosed with autism, you are not alone. In today’s podcast episode, CHC experts Seema Motwani, Occupational Therapist and Gina Baldi, Parent Trainer in our Early Support Program for Autism (ESPA) tell us where to turn for services, therapies and support. Best of all, they remind us that an autism diagnosis doesn’t change who our child is or what they’re capable of. (Hint: anything).
Language Delays in Young Children
EPISODE 21, SEASON 2 | FEBRUARY 16, 2022
with Shirit Megiddo, MS, CCC-SLP, BSC-CL and Kharyl Anne Piano, MS, CCC-SLP
A lack of socialization over the past two years has a lot of parents worried about their children’s language development. In fact, one of the most viewed articles in our online Resource Library right now focuses on speech delays in young children during COVID. How do we know when our kids should be progressing from first words to full sentences? Have masks and social distancing affected typical language development? Where should we turn if we’re concerned? Today’s podcast guests — two CHC Speech and Language Pathologists — will put these questions to rest and share ideas to foster healthy language development at home.
Parenting a Young Child with Autism
EPISODE 18, SEASON 3 | APRIL 19, 2023
with Sarah Knepper, MEd and Cristal Byrne, PhD
Autism can present in many different ways, but at its core it’s about social communication. Autism is usually suspected at a young age because children aren’t developing language or social skills at the same rate as their peers. Sometimes parents don’t want to have their child screened for autism because they are afraid of labels, stigma and limitations. But while overwhelming, diagnosis can also bring support, services and maybe even relief. Don’t miss this special podcast episode with two CHC experts who are also parents of young children with autism. Join us to hear personal and professional advice for finding empathy, understanding and community while raising a child on the spectrum.
Featured Resources
Learn more about autism from CHC experts.
Understanding Autism with Gina Baldi
CHC’s Gina Baldi explores the signs and symptoms of autism and the benefits of neurodiversity; strategies for the autistic child’s success; how the family and siblings can best support the autistic child; and local resources, promising innovations, apps, programs (Early Support Program for Autism—ESPA), and assistive technologies for kids with autism.
Understanding Sensory Integration
Sensory integration is an essential part of your development — it helps define everything from the way you see and hear things in the world, to the way that your body exists in space and more. Yet, research suggests that anywhere from 5% to 16.5% of people experience sensory processing challenges, especially in those with conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
What is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician?
If your child has a developmental, learning, or behavioral problem, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician has the training and expertise to evaluate and care for your child. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians possess training and experience to consider, in their assessments and treatments, the medical and psychosocial aspects of children’s and adolescents’ developmental and behavioral problems.
How We Help
CHC provides life-changing services for learning differences and mental health for young adults, kids and teens.
Early Support Program for Autism
A joint program between CHC and Stanford Children’s Health
ESPA (Early Support Program for Autism) is a lifeline for autism support. A joint program between CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services and Stanford Children’s Health, ESPA is designed to support and assist families who have just received a diagnosis of autism with parent education and with clinical care coordination for their child. Services include sharing resources, parent education, helping families connect with providers and guidance in navigating the education and health care systems, and are offered at no cost to families in English or Spanish.
Join CHC’s Virtual Village
A community of experts, parents, kids, teens and young adults who support and celebrate neurodiversity.
Sign up for CHC’s Virtual Village email list to be the first to know about new CHC expert content, events, programs and more!
We’re in this together.
Clinical Evaluations
For Children, Teens & Young Adults Ages 0-25 with Mental Health Challenges & Learning Differences
CHC provides single and multi-disciplinary psychoeducational and neuropsychological (learning and mental health) evaluations, with options to include an Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist and/or Educational Specialist. During a CHC evaluation, we really get to know your child to learn what issues are interfering with their wellbeing. Then the team collaborates and recommends a plan of action that works best for your family. Whether your child receives a clinical diagnosis or not, our specialists offer coaching and strategies to manage behavioral or educational concerns.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech therapy services encourage students to improve their communication skills.
Do you have concerns about your child’s speech or language development? CHC’s Speech-Language experts can help children overcome challenges in language and overall communication including receptive and/or expressive language, articulation, social/pragmatic language and social skills. Contact a CHC Care Coordinator to learn more or make an appointment.
Occupational Therapy at CHC
Occupational therapy for children can lead to big benefits, especially for kids with learning and attention issues.
Not only can Occupational Therapy (OT) address delays in fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, emotional regulation and sensory processing, it also enhances overall functioning and participation in daily life activities. Learn more about OT services and evaluations at CHC.
Our Experts
At CHC, we have learning and mental health experts who can help you overcome barriers to learning and help you develop skills that last for a lifetime. Real people you can talk to. People who can really help.
Melanie V. Hsu, PhD
(she/her)
Licensed Psychologist & Clinical Program Manager
Dylan Stewart, PsyD
(he/him)
Licensed Psychologist
Ariela Laibson, LCSW
(she/her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Gina Baldi, MEd
(she/her)
Parent Trainer, Early Support Program for Autism (ESPA)
Comprehensive & Integrated Services for Learning Differences & Mental Health
CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services
CHC therapists provide specialized, individualized and age-appropriate services for you to take charge of your own mental health and wellbeing. Services in California.
The SLC@CHC empowers all types of learners to adopt tools and strategies to support their unique strengths. Students and young adults with diagnosed or suspected ADHD, dyslexia and other learning disabilities discover their gifts, strengths and potential.
Related CHC Offerings
Check out other CHC offerings for services and support for kids, youth, and families with autism.
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