Cognoa innovates solutions for child developmental health. A test like Canvas Dx, the first and only FDA-authorized autism diagnostic for children ages 1.5 to 6 years uses responsible AI to empower doctors to quickly, accurately, and fairly diagnose developmental risk without bias. Delays in diagnosis either because of a lack of proper diagnosis or poor access to specialty care can decrease the likelihood of adequate treatment. Autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 18 months. Most children are only diagnosed after age 4.
Autism is one form of neurodivergent abnormality. A diagnosis of autism is often delayed for several years.
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Since autism exists on a spectrum, symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary significantly between individuals. Here are the key signs and symptoms categorized into core areas:
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1. Social Communication and Interaction Difficulties
- Difficulty with Social Reciprocity: May not respond to social cues, struggle with back-and-forth conversation, or have trouble understanding emotions and perspectives of others.
- Limited Eye Contact: Often avoids or has inconsistent eye contact.
- Struggles with Nonverbal Communication: Difficulty interpreting body language, facial expressions, gestures, or tone of voice.
- Challenges in Developing and Maintaining Relationships: May struggle to form friendships or show little interest in socializing. Some may want friendships but find them difficult to navigate.
- Atypical Emotional Responses: May not express emotions in expected ways, such as appearing indifferent to praise, affection, or social cues.
2. Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
- Repetitive Movements (Stimming): Engaging in hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or echolalia (repeating words or phrases).
- Highly Focused Interests: Intense fixation on specific topics, objects, or routines (e.g., memorizing train schedules, collecting specific items, or deeply studying a niche subject).
- Rigid Thinking and Routine Dependence: Discomfort or distress when routines are changed; preference for predictability.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Over- or under-reactivity to sensory stimuli (e.g., loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, or strong smells). Some may seek sensory input, like deep pressure or specific sounds.
- Unusual Play Patterns: Preferring to line up toys rather than use them imaginatively or showing an attachment to specific objects in unconventional ways.
3. Cognitive and Emotional Differences
- Literal Thinking: Difficulty understanding sarcasm, idioms, or abstract concepts.
- Strong or Atypical Memory Skills: Some may have exceptional memory for facts, patterns, or specific interests, while others may struggle with executive functioning (e.g., planning, organizing, or multitasking).
- Difficulty Managing Emotions: May have intense emotional reactions, struggle with frustration, or experience meltdowns due to overstimulation.
4. Symptoms in Different Age Groups
Infants/Toddlers:
- Limited eye contact or facial expressions
- Delayed speech or lack of gestures (pointing, waving)
- Unusual reactions to sounds or textures
- Preferring solitude over interaction with caregivers
Children:
- Difficulty making and keeping friends
- Intense interests in specific subjects
- Repetitive play behavior (e.g., spinning objects, lining up toys)
- Struggles with transitions or schedule changes
Adolescents and Adults:
- Social difficulties may become more noticeable (e.g., difficulty with small talk, workplace social norms)
- Masking (hiding symptoms by mimicking neurotypical behavior) can lead to exhaustion or anxiety
- Struggles with emotional regulation, job settings, or maintaining relationships
Final Thoughts
Autism presents uniquely in each individual. Some may have significant challenges with daily functioning, while others (especially those with high support needs) may require specialized care. Diagnosis is typically made by healthcare professionals based on behavioral observations, developmental history, and standardized assessments.
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