Intermountain Health Experts Share Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that shapes how children experience the world, connect with others, and communicate. It’s called a spectrum because every child’s strengths, challenges, and needs are different. In the U.S., autism one out of every 59 children. Research shows it is being identified more often, particularly among boys — highlighting the importance of understanding, early support, and inclusive care.

Common signs of autism spectrum disorder:

• Difficulty socializing with others, responding to social cues, and understanding feelings
• Difficulty communicating, including speaking and understanding
• Unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
• Avoiding or resisting physical contact
• Discomfort when regular routines are disrupted
• Repetitive physical behaviors

“If you suspect your child might have autism spectrum disorder, it is very important you have regular visits with your doctors,” said Dr. Agatha Formoso,  pediatric provider at the Intermountain Health Elkhorn Clinic. “The diagnosis is usually made between the first five years of life and has specific screenings as early as 18 months of old.”

All Intermountain Health pediatricians in the area screen for autism spectrum disorders.

Children with autism often attend mainstream schools. It might be difficult to identify them by sight. You might notice they communicate or act differently and wonder how to interact with them and include them.  Intermountain providers want everyone to know that just because children with autism communicate differently, or learn at an opposite pace, this does not mean they should be ignored.

Here are 6 tips:

• Be patient. Children with autism may need more time to process information.
• Be kind and flexible. They’re often less able to adapt to new situations.
• Use gestures or other ways to communicate besides words.
• Learn how to show interest and affection in ways they like.
• Use positive reinforcement. Praise or reward good behavior.
• Don’t take things personally if their responses are blunt.

If parents are concerned about appointments and how their child may react, call ahead and let the office know. Intermountain can try to make more time or set up early appointments to make waits less stressful and make sure to begin to get your child the services they need. They are here for you and your family.

“When I see other families with children with autism, I think it is really important for them to know ‘you are not alone,’ That this is a really common diagnosis that we see,” Dr. Formoso said. “They are going to have a different childhood, but they are going to have a childhood and have every experience that a neurotypical child has. ”

For more information or to find a provider, visit intermountainhealth.org.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a nonprofit health plan called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/. For more information, see intermountainhealth.org/ or call 801-442-2000.