Supporting Milestones, Learning, and Behavior
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
As children grow, parents and pediatricians watch closely to ensure developmental milestones are met. All missed milestones are important, but some may signal a need for additional support. Some delays are isolated and can often be improved with targeted therapy. Other complex medical problems or genetic conditions may be associated with developmental delays that can be anticipated and addressed.
In some cases, a specific pattern of delayed milestones may indicate autism. Autism—also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—is a developmental disorder that can affect communication, learning, and a child’s ability to interact with others.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 68 children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that 18- and 24-month wellness visits include developmental screenings for autism spectrum disorders. Early identification and intervention can make a meaningful difference for children and families.
Early autism screening is just one example of the developmental and behavioral support available at Capital Area Pediatrics. We encourage parents to share concerns about behaviors or developmental progress during visits. By discussing symptoms and observations early, our team can better recognize potential concerns and coordinate the next steps in care.
To schedule an appointment with a CAP pediatrician and begin this conversation, find your nearest location and contact us today.
Understanding Autism and Early Development
What Is Autism and Why Is It Called a Spectrum?
While often shortened to the word “autism,” the formal term is autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a complex neurobehavioral condition that includes a broad range of challenges related to social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech delays, and nonverbal communication. Because symptoms and severity can vary widely between children, it is described as a “spectrum.”
What Causes Autism?
This is a difficult question to answer, and one that currently has no clear-cut answer.
Experts know there is no single cause of autism. Genetic factors and environmental influences can increase a child’s risk, but not every child exposed to the same risk factors develops autism. This suggests that additional unknown factors are likely involved. Research is ongoing to help families and the medical community better understand ASD.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should parents discuss a potential autism diagnosis with their doctor?
Parents should contact their pediatrician if they notice signs or symptoms that may suggest ASD. Symptoms can begin presenting by around 18 months of age. A child with ASD might do one or a combination of the following:
- Not respond to their name (sometimes appearing as if they are deaf)
- Avoid or resist physical contact
- Not point at objects or things of interest
- Struggle to demonstrate interests
- Develop interests to an obsessive degree
- Not play pretend games
- Avoid eye contact and have minimal or non-existent social skills
- Have difficulty understanding or showing understanding of other people’s feelings or their own
- Have no speech or delayed speech
- Repeat words or phrases over and over
- Give unrelated answers to questions when asked
- Be upset by minor changes in routine or environment, or play with toys in the same manner repeatedly
- Flap hands, rock the body, or spin in circles
- Have unusual reactions (over- or under-sensitivity) to sounds, smells, tastes, sights, or textures
- Line up toys or objects in an orderly fashion
- Exhibit behaviors that negatively impact family, peer, or teacher interactions regularly
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns and request an ASD screening. Parents should also continue monitoring development and report any delays as children grow, since certain missed milestones can help guide what providers should evaluate.
How can Capital Area Pediatrics help with early development and autism care?
Our goal at Capital Area Pediatrics is to help families coordinate services and therapies so each child can reach their full potential.
Capital Area Pediatrics provides early universal developmental screenings as part of standard pediatric visits from birth through age three. Early identification is critical, and earlier intervention often provides the best opportunity for meaningful support.
After initial discussions about developmental concerns, our team can offer additional consults and screenings to families who are seeking answers. During these visits, we can observe behaviors and discuss concerns related to isolated milestone delays, complex medical problems associated with developmental issues, and social or speech delays with specific concern for autism.
Our team can refer families to a variety of services for full evaluations and other support resources. We also provide ongoing support through follow-up visits related to a child’s diagnosis, and care coordination services may be available to help maintain communication between specialists and your child’s pediatrician.
In addition, we offer STAT (Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children) testing for certain eligible patients. To read more about STAT and how to schedule an appointment, please read here.