Understanding Austism

According to leading health organizations like the CDC and WHO, researchers believe that ASD arises from a combination of factors influencing brain development. While much is still being uncovered about these causes, they can impact how people with ASD think, behave, and interact with the world around them.

Individuals with ASD may have unique ways of communicating, learning, and engaging with others—often outside of what is traditionally viewed as “typical” behavior (we use “typical” in quotes because everyone’s experience is different!). We often say, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met ONE person with autism,” emphasizing the uniqueness of each individual. For instance, some individuals with ASD may have highly advanced language skills, while others may be nonverbal. Similarly, some require significant support in daily life, while others lead independent lives with little to no assistance.

A wide range of interventions, spanning from early childhood through adulthood, can enhance development, well-being, and overall quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum—this is where Senseability Care steps in.

Early Childhood

Many children on the spectrum show developmental differences early in life, often in the areas of social skills and language development. While physical milestones like crawling, walking, and sitting may be achieved on time, other delays can be more subtle and may go unnoticed initially.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening for autism during routine well-child visits at 18 and 24 months. Early detection is crucial in providing the best support for children’s development.

Older Children and Teens

Although many individuals are diagnosed with autism in early childhood, some traits may not become evident until later in life. As children grow, the social demands of school and peer interactions can reveal challenges that weren’t as noticeable before. Older children may show signs such as intense or unusual interests, difficulty forming friendships, or heightened levels of school-related anxiety.

For these children and teens, a later diagnosis can be just as important for accessing the right interventions and support.

Adults

Some individuals may reach adulthood without a formal autism diagnosis. Often, adults on the spectrum, especially those with high-functioning autism, develop their own strategies to navigate social situations and “mask” behaviors that might otherwise lead to a diagnosis. Others may have lacked access to the resources or professionals who could provide a diagnosis.

At Senseability Care, we’re here for individuals at any stage of life, whether you’re seeking a first-time diagnosis or continuing support.

Families

We recognize that autism impacts not just the individual, but the entire family. That’s why we offer family therapy, providing support and guidance to help every member of the family navigate life with ASD.

Whether you have a formal diagnosis or are seeking one, Senseability Care is here to support you at every step of the journey.