Autism in Children: Early Signs and Interventions Parents Should Know

Seeing your young child miss expected milestones, lose a previously acquired skills, or struggle to connect socially or emotionally can be one of the most challenging issues to come to grips with as a parent. But current understanding and treatment of autism spectrum disorders can help you find comprehensive and high-quality support.

“Autism is a social, behavioral, and emotional disorder, and it has a range of symptoms from mild to much more severe,” says New York City-based psychologist Jennifer Harstein, PsyD. Because severity falls on such a wide range, autism is now referred to autism spectrum disorder, which includes Asperger syndrome and Rett syndrome.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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