Key points
- Many children with developmental delays or behavior concerns are not identified as early as possible.
- Getting services as early as possible can make a difference in the development of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental problems, such as helping them do well in social and educational settings.
Early intervention services: Ages 0-3 years
Research shows that early intervention services can greatly improve a child's development and result in better outcomes.1234 Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years of age learn important skills. Services include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others. Therefore, it is important to talk to your child's doctor as soon as possible if you think your child has ASD or other developmental problem. However, a referral from a physician is not necessary to request an evaluation and, if needed, receive services. It is possible for a parent to self-refer.
If you think your child may have a developmental delay related or unrelated to ASD, they may be eligible for early intervention services. The says that children under the age of 3 years who are at risk of having developmental delays may be eligible for services. These services are provided through an early intervention system in your state or territory. Through this system, you can ask for an evaluation.
In addition, treatment for specific symptoms, such as speech therapy for language delays, often does not need to wait for a formal ASD diagnosis. Note: While early intervention is extremely important, intervention at any age can be helpful.
Special education services: Ages 3-22 years
Children with disabilities, including ASD, may be eligible for services through the local education system beginning at age 3 years. Children with ASD often have an (IEP) or a Eligible children can begin to receive services prior to formally starting school, even if the child has not been diagnosed with ASD.
"Child Find" evaluation
If you are concerned about your child, contact your local public school system. Even if your child is not yet old enough for kindergarten or is not enrolled in a public school, you can call your local elementary school or board of education and ask to speak with someone who can help you have your child evaluated. This is sometimes called a
- Hyman SL, Levy SE, Myers SM; Council on Children with Disabilities, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2020;145(1):e20193447.
- Dawson G, Rogers S, Munson J, et al. Pediatrics. 2010;125(1):e17-e23.
- Reaven J, Blakeley-Smith A, Culhane-Shelburne K, Hepburn S. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2012;53(4):410-419.
- Reichow B, Hume K, Barton EE, Boyd BA. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;5(5):CD009260. Published 2018 May 9.
- U.S. Department of Education. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Available at: . Accessed on January 4, 2024
- Center for Parent Information & Resources. Babies & Toddlers. Available at: . Accessed on January 4, 2024
- U.S. Department of Education. A Guide to the Individualized Education Program. Available at: . Accessed on January 4, 2024
- U.S. Department of Education. Protecting Students With Disabilities. Available at: . Accessed on January 4, 2024
- Center for Parent Information & Resources. Special Education Services for Preschoolers with Disabilities. Available at: . Accessed on January 4, 2024
- Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center. ECTA Center. Available at: . Accessed on January 4, 2024