ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Children with ASD may have difficulties with social communication and interaction, as well as repetitive behaviors and interests. Some common signs and symptoms of ASD in children include:

• Avoiding or not keeping eye contact
• Not responding to their name by 9 months of age
• Not showing facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
• Not playing simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
• Using few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, not waving goodbye)
• Focusing on parts of objects (for example, wheels)
• Getting upset by minor changes
• Having obsessive interests
• Following certain routines
• Flapping hands, rocking body, or spinning self in circles
• Having unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

It is important to note that children with ASD may not have all or any of these behaviors. Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger, and by age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until they are much older, and some people are not diagnosed until they are adolescents or adults. Treatment for ASD can involve behavioral therapy, speech and occupational therapy, and medication for related conditions such as anxiety or depression.