If you are a parent, you know the joy of watching your child develop both mentally and physically. As they grow, children acquire the skills that they need to eventually become successful and well-adjusted adults.
However, especially if you are a parent of a boy, you might be concerned that he might not be developing as quickly as other children. Perhaps you might be worried that he might be showing signs of an autism spectrum disorder. But what is autism?
Autism is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. While scientists aren’t sure of the cause(s) of autism, the learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of children with autism range from gifted to severely challenged. Some children with autism spectrum disorder need a lot of help in their daily lives; others require very little assistance.
So why should parents of boys be concerned with recognizing the signs of autism in their son? In general, according to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. However, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder compared to girls (i.e. 1 in 34 boys is diagnosed with autism). Because boys have a higher chance of developing autism, parents of boys should be knowledgeable about the symptoms of autism.
Regardless of where you are in the process, Ascend Autism is ready to help. Ascend Autism is a premier autism treatment center for parents of boys (and girls) with autism symptoms in Hawthorne, NY, Westport, CT, and Nashville, TN. So, what signs of autism should parents of boys be looking for?
Autism Symptoms in Boys
It takes a trained professional to accurately diagnose autism in children. Also, keep in mind that signs of autism may differ from child to child.
However, general signs of autism commonly include:
- Not responding to their name by twelve months of age
- Not pointing at objects to show interest by fourteen months
- Not playing pretend games by eighteen months
- Delayed speech and language skills
- Having trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
- Avoiding eye contact and want to be alone
- Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
- Have unusual reactions to the way things sounds, smell, look, taste, or feel
Boys with autism symptoms may also repeat words or phrases, give unrelated answers to questions, get upset by minor changes, or have obsessive interests. If your son is engaging in some or all of these behaviors, reach out to the Ascend Autism team for more information about how we can help.
About Ascend Autism
Our Ascend Autism team consists of healthcare operators and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who have years of experience working with children who have autism. The interventions used at Ascend Autism are embedded in evidence-based practices (EBPs), which are therapies and treatments that have gone through rigorous research studies and have been found to be effective for treating boys and all individuals on the autism spectrum.
We provide a safe learning environment so that your son can receive the treatment programs that he needs in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
Simply put, at Ascend Autism, we help your son succeed by designing intervention plans and strategies that are tailored specifically for his needs. We consider it a privilege to work with children who have autism and guide them towards a fulfilling future.
But, how do you know if your son might be demonstrating signs of autism?
Treatment at Ascend Autism
At Ascend Autism, we offer autism spectrum treatment programs for all children, including:
If you suspect that your son may be demonstrating autism symptoms, you surely want the best support that you can find so that he can achieve all of his goals in life. Our compassionate and experienced Ascend Autism staff gives boys the support and care that they need and deserve. Contact our Ascend Autism team today by calling (877) 323-8668 or completing our convenient online for more information.
