What you may be noticing
Any one of these can have many explanations. Patterns over time, across settings, and their impact on daily life matter more than a single behavior.
Differences in back-and-forth interaction
Strong need for sameness or predictable routines
Focused interests or repetitive play
Sensory seeking or sensitivity
Language or communication differences
Masking or exhaustion after social demands
Important context
Autistic children are highly varied. Traits may look different by age, language level, gender, culture, and environment.
Evaluations commonly considered
The most appropriate evaluation depends on the questions you want answered. These are common pathways, not prescriptions.
Autism Evaluation
A close look at social communication, behavior, development, and everyday functioning.
Learn moreDevelopmental Evaluation
A broad assessment of early development, including communication, movement, play, learning, social interaction, and everyday skills.
Learn moreNeuropsychological Evaluation
A broad assessment of thinking, learning, memory, attention, language, and emotional functioning.
Learn moreWhat to gather before calling
A short timeline of concernsSchool or childcare observationsRelevant health and developmental historyPrior reports or intervention recordsYour three most important questionsExamples of strengths as well as difficulties