March 31, 2025

Autism is a Spectrum that Affects each Child Differently

Posted March 31, 2025

By: Kellie Hunsaker, Director of Autism Center, KOTM.

 

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Should Know 

At Kids on the Move, we believe that every child is unique, and their individuality should be celebrated. We also understand that discovering your child may have autism can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that autism is a spectrum, and each child experiences it differently. Understanding the signs, seeking help early, and getting your child the support they need can open the door to incredible possibilities. 

 

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects the brain’s functioning, particularly in social interaction, communication, and behavior. It’s called a “spectrum” because the characteristics of autism can range from mild to severe, with children showing different strengths and challenges. 

ASD impacts how children learn, communicate, and interact with others. The signs can appear at various ages, with most children showing early signs before the age of three. It’s important to note that autism is not a single condition, but a variety of related conditions with unique characteristics, making early identification and personalized care critical for children with ASD. 

 

What Are the Signs of Autism? 

Since autism is a spectrum, it affects each child differently. However, there are some common signs that can point to autism and help in early identification. The signs typically fall into four main categories: communication challenges, differences in social interaction, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors. 

Communication Challenges

  • One of the earliest signs of autism is a delay or difficulty in communication. Infants typically use eye contact and social smiles to communicate, but a child with autism may avoid or not return eye contact, and may not smile in social situations. By six months, babies usually babble or imitate sounds, but a child with ASD may not do so. By two years, children often use two-word phrases; however, some children with autism may struggle with speaking or responding to others.
  • If your child isn’t responding to their name, or they seem uninterested in social interaction, it may be time to discuss these concerns with your pediatrician. 

Differences in Social Interaction

  • Children with autism often find social interaction challenging. They might have trouble understanding or responding to social cues, such as facial expressions or body language. For example, a child may not engage in shared play or show interest in interacting with other children. They may prefer solitary activities or appear withdrawn in social situations.
  • An absence of social reciprocity – like not sharing interests or emotions – can also be a key indicator. These differences in social interaction might be subtle but are worth paying attention to if you notice patterns. 

Sensory Sensitivities

  • Many children with autism experience sensory sensitivities. This can mean they are either over-responsive or under-responsive to sensory input. For example, they may be hypersensitive to loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures, which can lead to emotional distress or meltdowns. On the flip side, they may show little to no reaction to pain or other sensory stimuli.
  • Sensory sensitivities can make daily activities like eating, dressing, or participating in group activities especially challenging for a child with autism. Observing how your child responds to sensory experiences, such as wearing certain clothes or eating certain foods, can provide insight into their sensory needs. 

Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests

  • Children with autism often engage in repetitive behaviors or have restricted interests. These may include repetitive movements (like hand-flapping or rocking), insistence on routines, or intense focus on a particular topic or object. These behaviors might seem odd or out of place but are often comforting for the child. They may also help the child manage feelings of anxiety or stress.
  • If your child struggles with changes in routine, becomes fixated on specific activities, or repeats certain actions consistently, these could be signs of autism. 

 

Why Early Identification and Intervention Matter 

Autism doesn’t look the same in every child, which is why early identification is crucial. The sooner you are able to recognize the signs, the sooner you can start your child on a journey of support that will empower them to thrive. Kids on the Move provides expert evaluations and personalized intervention services designed to support your child’s development and help them reach their fullest potential. 

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation. Our team of professionals is here to help you understand your child’s unique needs and create an individualized plan to support them in every step of their journey. 

 

Get Started Today 

If you believe your child may benefit from specialized autism services, Kids on the Move is here to help. Our Autism Center offers individualized support that honors each child’s unique strengths and needs — whether they’re newly diagnosed or further along their journey.

Fill out our quick application today to connect with our caring team and discover how we can support your child in thriving — at home, at school, and beyond.

👉 Apply Now to Learn More: https://kotm.org/autism-center-inquire/

Because every child deserves the chance to shine.

Mat Dastrup, CFO

Mat Datstrop, Chief Financial Officer at KOTM, truly embodies a blend of expertise and visionary leadership. Joining Kids on the Move in September 2019, Mat brought a rich history of accomplishments, having served as CFO for manufacturing and software companies. His successful track record includes starting and selling three businesses, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic insight. As a licensed CPA and a Six Sigma Black Belt, Mat’s skill set is uniquely suited to driving innovation and accuracy within financial processes. His passion for integrating technology and developing robust accounting systems positions KOTM for long-term success. In his role, Mat is deeply dedicated to creating sustainable impacts that will echo throughout KOTM for decades. His presence in the organization is marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering an environment of lasting change, ensuring families benefit from his transformative work well into the future.

Ryan Erickson, COO

Ryan Erickson, the Chief Operating Officer of KOTM, brings extensive experience and a passionate commitment to nurturing innovation and growth. With over two decades spent as a thought leader and innovator across leadership roles in the medical, software start-ups, technical consulting, and information technology sectors, he has steered successful technology companies to new heights.

Ryan’s expertise is unparalleled. His dedication to mentoring entrepreneurs and CEOs in transforming ideas into reality speaks to his compassionate nature and deep-seated commitment to growth. Serving on several software and technical company boards, Ryan consistently helps these companies reach new heights.

At KOTM, Ryan is uniquely positioned to guide the organization into its next 40 years. His diverse skill set enables KOTM to not only meet current challenges with agility but also to strategically position itself for future growth under his committed leadership. Ryan continues to inspire hope and innovation, reinforcing KOTM’s status as a beacon of support and transformation for families everywhere.

Rachelle Rutherford, CEO

Rutherford is the strategic visionary and Chief Executive Officer of Kids on the Move (KOTM). A multifaceted and sophisticated businesswoman, she has led the trailblazing multimillion-dollar non-profit in its commitment to providing essential and comprehensive support, education, and therapies for children with delays and disabilities.  Rutherford has now spent 20 years in executive leadership roles within the telecommunications, genealogy, real estate, health care services, and education industries. Her notable contributions lie in her perseverance to find impossible and impactful solutions. Rutherford is skilled at reverse-engineering goals by mapping out exactly what is required for a successful outcome.

To help raise $150M to expand KOTM’s support services and establish a state-of-the-art center, Rutherford has partnered with Forbes Books to author and publish Chasing The Impossible, a captivating exposé delving into Kids on the Move’s transformative work. With it, she uncovers the compelling stories of resilience and hope from children, families, doctors, and community members who tenaciously pushed forward when faced with impossible odds or challenges.

Her profound understanding of what it takes to overcome the impossible stems from her own journey as a survivor of abuse and trauma, which has shaped her philanthropic missions, her intuitive nature, and her steadfast leadership. As a CEO, mom, speaker, and philanthropist, Rutherford believes discipline is one of the highest forms of self-love, consistently putting in the necessary work every single day to provide impactful solutions for others, promote a balanced and holistic lifestyle, and create opportunities for continuous growth and empowerment around the world.