According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), signs of ASD can sometimes be seen in children ages 3-24 months. Parents and caregivers can help identify the condition early by learning about the standard developmental milestones and monitoring their child’s developmental progress overtime.
A developmental delay means that growth and development are happening slower than what is considered typical, or average. As a parent or caregiver, you know the child best. If age-appropriate milestones are not reached or if the child appears to be going backwards in their learning, talk to your child’s doctor right away. Catching ASD early and getting started on a treatment plan can help children achieve their full potential.
The signs of ASD are sometimes hard to notice in young children. As people get older and their circumstances change, new experiences can push people outside their comfort zone. ASD symptoms may be more obvious when people are challenged beyond their current abilities and skills.
Parents and caregivers can help identify the condition by learning the signs of ASD and monitoring how the child reacts to change or transitions (like starting school or moving from primary school to secondary school).
