Common Autism Questions Answered by Psychologists

Early Intervention for Autism: Why Every Moment Counts

At Pathways to Progress, we understand the critical importance of early intervention after an autism diagnosis. Each day presents new opportunities to support your child’s development. That’s why we prioritize starting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy as early as possible, helping children gain essential skills from the very beginning.

If you're a parent navigating a new autism diagnosis, you're not alone—and it's normal to have questions like:

• What does autism spectrum disorder really mean?

• What can I expect from ABA therapy?

• Where should I begin?

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain development and impacts how children learn, communicate, and engage socially.

To receive an autism diagnosis, a child must meet specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition):

• Ongoing challenges in social communication and interaction

• Presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities

• Symptoms must appear early in development and significantly affect daily life

• The behavior cannot be better explained by another condition like intellectual disability or global developmental delay

Because autism is a spectrum, every child presents with a unique combination of strengths and challenges. Understanding how autism appears differently in each individual is essential to delivering personalized support.

What Are the Core Symptoms of Autism?

Early detection of autism can lead to timely support and better outcomes. Parents and caregivers should watch for the following signs during infancy or early toddlerhood:

• Limited eye contact by 6–8 weeks

• Reduced social smiling or responsiveness to facial expressions

• Lack of gestures like pointing, waving, or reaching by 9–12 months

• Not responding to their name by 6–9 months

• Minimal interest in people or caregivers

• Delayed babbling or early speech development

If your child shows any of these signs, consult your pediatrician. Early screening and evaluation are essential steps to identifying autism and beginning appropriate therapies.

What Are the Levels of Autism?

The DSM-5 outlines three levels of autism based on the amount of support a person needs in daily life. These levels reflect symptom severity in two areas: social affect and repetitive behaviors.

• Level 1 – Requiring Support Children may have mild social challenges, difficulty with transitions, or sensitivity to change. They usually function well with minimal help.

• Level 2 – Requiring Substantial Support Individuals may show more noticeable difficulties with communication, limited interest in interaction, and more frequent repetitive behaviors. Support is often needed across various settings.

• Level 3 – Requiring Very Substantial Support Children with this level of autism may have significant challenges with both verbal and nonverbal communication. Intense behavioral patterns and severe difficulty adapting to change often require continuous support.

How Is Autism Diagnosed?

A comprehensive autism evaluation involves several key components:

• Clinical observation by a psychologist or developmental pediatrician

• Parent and caregiver interviews using diagnostic screeners

• Standardized assessments like the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)

  
  

These tools work together to determine whether a child meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder and to guide recommendations for therapy and support.

Take the First Step with Pathways to Progress

These are the most common autism questions. Navigating an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Pathways to Progress, our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you every step of the way—from evaluation and diagnosis to personalized ABA therapy designed to help your child thrive.

Want to learn more?

Contact Pathways to Progress today and take the first step toward empowering your child’s future.