by Invo Behavior & Therapy services
 AutismHomeSupport.com  |  844-AHSS-ABA

What is autism?
Autism is a neurological condition that usually appears in early childhood. “Autism” and “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD) are used interchangeably and include symptoms such as difficulty with communication and social relationships. 
Every person with ASD has a unique combination of challenges and strengths. There’s a common saying: “If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism.” 

How common is autism? 
In 2018, a Centers for Disease Control study estimated that 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with autism. This is a 15% increase from the 2016 report. 

Autism occurs more often in boys than girls, with 1 in 37 boys being diagnosed with ASD and 1 in 151 girls. 

How can I tell if my child might have autism? 
A 6-month old with autism might not make eye contact or smile at people. By one, a child may not respond to her name, babble or point to communicate. Many children with autism don’t speak by 16 months or use meaningful phrases by age 2. 

When can autism be diagnosed? 
Children can be diagnosed as early as age 2, although many parents notice signs earlier. Studies show that at least one-third of parents noticed a problem before their child’s first birthday, and up to 80% saw issues by the child’s second birthday.

If you’re concerned, make sure your pediatrician conducts an M-CHAT evaluation at 18 and 24 months to determine whether your child is at risk. Parents can also download the M-CHAT online (https://www.m-chat.org/) and do the test themselves. 
If results indicate that your child is high-risk or you’re worried, have your child evaluated by a developmental pediatrician or a neurologist. 

Why is an early diagnosis important?
Numerous studies show that children who are diagnosed early and receive intensive therapy have better outcomes. 
The earlier the diagnosis, the more time there is for therapy to help a child learn age-appropriate skills, improve communication and reduce challenging behaviors before starting school.

What services are available for children with autism in Jacksonville? 
Jacksonville offers many options for people with autism. Young children often start with a program called “early intervention” that provides a few hours of speech, occupational, developmental and/or physical therapy each week. 

However, research shows that up to 40 hours a week of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most effective therapy to help children and adolescents with ASD learn age-appropriate behaviors, and improve communication and social skills. A scientifically proven therapy, ABA is the only treatment for ASD that’s been endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Many area organizations offer intensive ABA therapy. For example, Invo Behavior & Therapy services provides in-home ABA throughout Jacksonville for ages 2 to 23. We also offer center-based therapy in Belfort Oaks location and will be opening another center in Lake Gray soon. 

by Invo & Therapy Services
 AutismHomeSupport.com  |  844-AHSS-ABA

​You can’t stop worrying about your toddler. He’s two years old, but usually doesn’t respond to his name. Every toddler has tantrums, but your son’s are epic and can be caused by something as simple as having lunch early.

Your pediatrician is reassuring. He reminds you that kids develop at different rates and suggests giving your son time to catch up.

A year later, you’re even more concerned, because your son is harder to handle and actively avoids playing with other children. The doctor refers him to a few hours of speech and occupational therapy each week. This is often called “early intervention” and is designed to help children get ready for school.

A friend suggests your son might have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). No, you say. That’s not possible. Something might be “off” with your son, but he doesn’t have autism.

This is a common scenario. Parents are so scared at the idea of their child having ASD that they avoid it at all costs. Yet pursuing a diagnosis as early as possible is the key to transforming fear into hope and a promising future.


The Earlier, The Better

It can be frightening to learn that your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder since there is no cure or a definite prognosis. But the sooner your child is evaluated, the sooner you can start making progress.

If your child does have autism, a diagnosis as early as 2 years old is considered reliable. It is also the first step in identifying your child’s unique needs and the best combination of therapy and services to help.

Every child with autism has unique opportunities and challenges. The developmental pediatrician who evaluates your child may recommend a combination of therapies that may include speech, occupational, physical and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

ABA is a scientifically proven therapy for improving communication, reducing difficult behaviors and building life skills. It is the only autism treatment that has been endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics. ABA also works well with other therapies.

Start Now

Most parents don’t know that it can take six to nine months to get a child assessed by a developmental pediatrician. After a child receives a medical diagnosis of autism, it typically takes two to four months to research therapy providers and get insurance approval.

If you don’t start the process until your child is five, he won’t start intensive therapy until she’s about six.

But if your child is diagnosed at two or three years old, she’ll have many additional years to make progress. She will also have more time before starting school to gain new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.

From Fear to Hope

Parents who avoid an ASD diagnosis are understandably trying to protect their child and handle their own worries. Unfortunately, that doesn’t usually happen. Without a diagnosis and intensive therapy, the child’s challenges grow – and so do the parents’ fears.

Getting an early evaluation and diagnosis is the most important step you can take to help your son or daughter. An early diagnosis can transform fear into hope, opening the door to new options and a bright future.