Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism and the intensity of symptoms can vary from not noticeable to clearly present. Some children as early as infancy show signs while others those symptoms might not show up till 2 or 3 years of age. Every child’s symptoms and experiences are different from the next. Some symptoms might be mistaken for Autism which is why a profession autism evaluation is critical.

The following symptoms can be signs of autistic behaviors or being at risk for an autism spectrum disorder, but can be difficult to only visually observe and classify as autism. These symptoms are helpful observations that might help parents detect patterns at an early age to prepare for testing and treatment options. Every child develops at different intervals; however, the following information are general milestones to consider. Speak with a professional at our office to begin an evaluation as soon as possible.

By 6 months

• Restricted or no eye contact
• Limited smiling and other emotional and engaging expressions

By 9 months

• Limited to no sound mimicking such as sighs and coos
• Limited to no smiling or facial expressions

By 12 months

• Limited to no babbling
• Limited to no gesture mimicking such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
• Limited to no response to their name being spoken

By 16 months

• Restricted vocabulary or lack of speaking

By 24 months

• Restricted vocabulary or lack of speaking
• Limited meaningful two-word phrases excluding mimicking

At any age

• Restricted interests
• Repetitive behaviors such as flapping, rocking, fidgeting, etc.
• Unusual reactions to textures, sounds, smells, tastes or light
• Limited Language Development
• Difficulty with sympathy or emotional understating
• Repeated preference in being alone
• Repeated avoidance of eye contact
• Excessive word or phrase repetition
• Loss of speech and social skills
• Extreme resistance to minor routine or lifestyle changes

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Children and adults who have ADHD present with persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that can interfere with daily life and normal activities. The following symptoms can be signs of ADHD behaviors, but can be difficult to only visually observe and classify as ADHD. These symptoms are helpful observations that might help parents detect patterns at an early age to prepare for testing and treatment options. Every child develops at different intervals; however, the following information are general symptoms to consider. Speak with a professional at our office to begin an evaluation as soon as possible.

Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
• Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
• Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
• Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
• Is often easily distracted
• Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16 years, or five or more for adolescents age 17 years and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:

• Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
• Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
• Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
• Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
• Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
• Often talks excessively.
• Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
• Often has trouble waiting their turn.
• Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)

In addition, the following conditions must be met:

• Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
• Several symptoms are present in two or more settings, (such as at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
• There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
• The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder). The symptoms do not happen only during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.

Based on the types of symptoms, three kinds (presentations) of ADHD can occur:

• Combined Presentation: if enough symptoms of both criteria inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were present for the past 6 months
• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: if enough symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity, were present for the past six months
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: if enough symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, but not inattention, were present for the past six months.

Because symptoms can change over time, the presentation may change over time as well.

If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms that might appear as Autism or ADHD contact our office to schedule a professional evaluation.