When children receive early autism evaluations and consistent access to effective therapies, their ability to adapt and thrive improves dramatically.
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By Rachelle Rutherford, CEO of Kids on the Move and Forbes Books Author.
Autism. It’s a word many of us know, with 1 in 36 children in the U.S. diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A diagnosis can reshape a family’s world, bringing challenges and uncertainty. But there is hope. When children receive early evaluations and consistent access to effective therapies, their ability to adapt and thrive improves dramatically, making a lasting difference in their futures.
Catching the Clues: Why Early Detection and Intervention Matter
Children typically begin to show signs of autism at 18 months old. This age is right in the middle of what is referred to as the “sponge years,” due to the brain’s incredible capacity to absorb information and rapidly form new neural connections during the first 3 years of life. When a child has ASD, their brain goes about making these connections differently, but they are no less crucial.
If a connection is missed, think of it like trying to climb a ladder with a missing rung; it’s incredibly difficult to climb higher. This is why quickly accessing therapy that will empower these children’s development is so critical. It allows children with ASD to go back and make any missed connections, and moving forward, therapists work with children to help make needed connections in a way that works for their brains.
Early Signs To Look for in Young Children
Unfortunately, there is no medical test for ASD—it is only diagnosed based on observing a child’s development and behavior. This means there is often room for interpretation and misdiagnosis. However, when signs are caught early, a child can, in theory, be quickly evaluated and begin receiving the life-changing intervention.
Every child is unique, and that also applies to how signs of autism can differ between individuals. However, there are common symptoms that characterize ASD, including social challenges and differences in how a child may process emotions and sensory experiences.
Social Communication and Interaction
- Lack of eye contact by 6-12 months
- Delayed language development
- Not responding to their name
- Trouble understanding and using gestures, such as waving hello and goodbye
- Difficulty making friends
Restricted Interests or Repetitive Behaviors
- Upset by minor changes in routine
- Reacts strongly to certain sensory inputs (taste, smell, texture, etc.)
- Repeating certain phrases or words
- Rocking back and forth, flapping hands, or other repetitive motions
Associated Symptoms
- Delayed motor skill development
- Delayed cognitive skills
- Anxiety or stress
- Impulsivity or hyperactivity
Lost Time Often Equals Lost Potential
It’s widely proven that when children with ASD have early access to therapy, they are more likely to develop skills that, in the long term, will ensure that they have a better quality of life and can live more independently. Despite the importance of early intervention, many families face significant challenges in having their child assessed and enrolled in therapy.
Insurance requirements often necessitate a lengthy referral process, which skeptical practitioners or long waitlists can further delay. In states like mine, Utah, the average wait time for a child to be evaluated by a psychologist is approximately 18 months due to the high volume of children needing assessment. Nationally, the average exceeds two years, with some families waiting up to three years. These extended wait times alone could cause a child to miss out entirely on the benefits of intervention during the sponge years.
In addition, wait times can be even longer when there are fewer providers in the state than the national average. This is also an issue in the state of Utah. There are simply not enough psychologists, child neurologists, and psychiatrists to provide the services needed for diagnosis. And once a diagnosis is obtained, additional delays often occur before a child can access therapy.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is the gold standard for treating ASD. Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA) play an integral role in supporting children. Still, there is also a shortage of analysts due to increasing rates of ASD diagnosis and high demand for ABA services.
According to a report from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, the nationwide demand for BCBAs is greater than ever, with a 58% increase from 2023 to 2024.
While it is crucial that these children eventually receive the help they need, the sooner they begin therapy, the more effectively their young brains can develop and solidify critical connections.
Every Moment Counts in Creating Lasting Impact
Without timely assessment and targeted therapy, children with autism can face an array of challenges that will follow them into adulthood. While they vary widely, they often include anxiety, difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, and communication barriers. Consequently, these difficulties can impact a person’s ability to secure and maintain employment or live independently.
Yes, every child deserves their best childhood; they also should have the opportunity to become a thriving member of the community. By denying them prompt access to evaluation and effective therapy, we limit their potential to become our future coworkers, pastors, teachers, fellow volunteers, or whoever they desire to be.
In a world that loves checked boxes, black or white, and yes or no answers, ASD can be incredibly frustrating. It is diagnosed on a spectrum that exhibits uniquely in each child, and every therapy plan must be precisely tailored to meet the child’s specific needs. To top it off, therapy must be closely monitored and adjusted while progress is slow. There is no “miracle” moment or flashy “before and after” that can come with another diagnosis that fits neatly into the binary way of thinking we are accustomed to. Because of this, it can be easy to forget that we must continue to advocate for expanded resources.
When we do, children will have greater access to desperately needed resources. When they begin to exhibit those early signs of autism, we can ensure they are evaluated quickly and get access to targeted and consistent therapy as soon as possible. By doing so, we provide children with autism their best chance at a successful future.
Early and targeted intervention is not just about improving the quality of life for these children; it is about recognizing their potential and giving them the tools they need to become integral members of our communities. Expanding access is crucial to building a more inclusive and supportive society for all.
Learn more about Rachelle’s book and the Hope in Motion movement to change care Chasing the Impossible
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