Learn what autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is, common signs of autism in children, and how autism is diagnosed. Discover autism therapy and support options for families in the Chicago suburbs.
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and experiences the world around them. Autism is called a “spectrum” because it affects each individual differently. Some children with autism may need significant support in daily life, while others may require only minimal support.
Autism spectrum disorder is one of the most commonly diagnosed developmental conditions in children today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States. Because autism can present differently in every child, recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking an autism evaluation can help families access helpful services sooner.
Autism is typically identified in early childhood and often becomes noticeable during the toddler or preschool years. Early identification and autism therapy can make a meaningful difference in helping children develop communication, social, and daily living skills.
For families in the Chicago area, understanding autism spectrum disorder is often the first step toward finding the right support, resources, and autism therapy services for their child.
Autism spectrum disorder includes a wide range of strengths and challenges. Children with autism may experience differences in several areas of development, including communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing.
Some children with autism may develop language later than their peers. Others may have strong verbal skills but struggle with social communication, such as understanding tone of voice, body language, facial expressions, or conversational cues.
Children on the autism spectrum may also experience:
• Difficulty with social interactions
• Repetitive behaviors or routines
• Sensory sensitivities
• Strong interests in specific topics
• Challenges with changes in routine
Because autism affects each child differently, therapy and support plans are typically individualized to match a child’s unique developmental needs.
Professionals often describe autism spectrum disorder using support levels outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These levels describe how much support a child may need in daily life:
Level 1 ASD – Requires support, but many children are able to communicate verbally and participate in school environments with accommodations.
Level 2 ASD – Requires substantial support and may experience greater difficulty with communication and flexibility.
Level 3 ASD – Requires very substantial support and may have significant challenges with communication, behavior, and daily living skills.
Understanding that autism exists on a spectrum helps families and professionals create personalized treatment plans that support each child’s unique development.
Researchers continue to study the causes of autism spectrum disorder. Current research suggests that autism is influenced by a combination of genetic and neurological factors.Autism is considered a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it relates to differences in how the brain develops and processes information. Studies show that genetics play a significant role in autism, and autism may run in families.
It is important for families to know that autism is not caused by parenting style or vaccines. These misconceptions have been widely disproven by decades of scientific research.
Instead, autism spectrum disorder reflects natural differences in how the brain processes communication, social information, and sensory experiences.
Many families find it helpful to understand that autism is simply a different way the brain processes the world. With the right support, children with autism can develop meaningful skills, build relationships, and thrive in their communities.
Autism symptoms can appear at different ages and may vary from child to child. However, many children show early indicators during infancy or toddlerhood.
Some common early signs of autism may include:
• Limited eye contact
• Delayed speech, language development, or nonverbal communication
• Difficulty responding to their name
• Limited interest in social interaction
• Repetitive movements such as hand flapping or rocking
• Strong reactions to sensory input like sounds, textures, or lights
• Preference for routines or difficulty with transitions
Other possible signs of autism in young children may include:
• Limited pointing or gestures to share interest
• Difficulty engaging in pretend play
• Limited back-and-forth conversation
• Unusual reactions to sounds, textures, or lights
• Intense interest in specific topics or objects
It is important to remember that every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Some children may show only a few signs of autism, while others may show several developmental differences.
If parents notice developmental concerns, an autism screening or autism evaluation can help determine whether a child may benefit from additional support.
Parents often wonder when they should consider autism testing or a developmental evaluation for their child. While every child develops differently, not meeting certain developmental milestones and a child's behavior may indicate that the child would benefit from an autism evaluation.
Parents may want to consider speaking with a pediatrician or developmental specialist if their child:
• Is not babbling or gesturing by 12 months
• Is not speaking single words by 16 months
• Is not using two-word phrases by 24 months
• Shows limited interest in social interaction
• Stops using language or social skills they previously had
An autism evaluation can help determine whether a child meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder or if other developmental differences may be present.
Early evaluation can provide families with valuable information and connect them with therapy services that support development.
Autism spectrum disorder is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive developmental evaluation conducted by trained healthcare providers such as psychologists, developmental pediatricians, or neuropsychologists.
The autism diagnosis process usually includes multiple steps designed to understand a child’s developmental profile.
An autism evaluation may include:
• Developmental history with parents
• Behavioral observations
• Standardized assessments
• Communication and social interaction evaluations
One of the most widely used diagnostic tools for autism is the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). This play-based assessment allows clinicians to observe how a child communicates, interacts socially, and responds to their environment.
Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder helps families access therapy services that support communication, behavior, learning, and independence.
For many families in the Chicago area, seeking an autism evaluation is an important step toward gaining clarity and developing a plan for support.
Autistic children often benefit from therapy services that focus on developing communication, social, behavioral, and daily living skills. Early and consistent autism therapy can help children build important developmental foundations.
Three of the most common therapy services for children with an autism diagnosis include:
ABA therapy is one of the most widely researched and evidence-based treatments for autism spectrum disorder. ABA therapy focuses on teaching new skills through structured teaching strategies and positive reinforcement.
ABA therapy often focuses on:
• Communication development
• Social interaction
• Daily routines
• Learning readiness skills
• Reducing behaviors that interfere with learning
Many children participate in center-based ABA therapy programs that provide structured learning opportunities throughout the day.
Speech therapy supports children who have difficulty communicating or understanding language. Speech-language pathologists help children develop expressive language, receptive language, and social communication skills.
Some children may also benefit from alternative communication methods, such as picture communication systems, communication devices, or assistive technology.
Occupational therapy helps children develop the skills needed to participate in everyday activities. Occupational therapists often support children with sensory regulation, fine motor development, and daily routines such as dressing, feeding, and handwriting.
Together, these therapies support a child’s overall development and independence.
Early intervention is one of the most important factors in improving an autistic child's development.
The early childhood years represent a period of rapid brain development. When autism therapy begins during this time, children can build foundational skills that support long-term learning and social development.
Early autism therapy can help children:
• Improve communication abilities
• Build social connections
• Develop play skills
• Increase independence
• Navigate daily routines more easily
Families who seek support early often find that their child benefits from consistent, structured learning opportunities during these critical developmental years.
Families searching for autism therapy in the Chicago area often benefit from providers that offer multiple therapy services under one roof. A multidisciplinary approach allows therapists to collaborate and support the child across multiple areas of development.
Gracent Pediatric Therapy provides autism therapy services designed to support children and families across the Chicago suburbs. Our clinical teams work together to create individualized treatment plans that focus on communication, social skills, independence, and daily living abilities.
Gracent Pediatric Therapy serves families at several Illinois locations, including:
• Naperville
• Elmhurst
• Wheaton
• Woodridge
These centers provide welcoming environments where children with autism can learn, grow, and build important developmental skills with the support of experienced therapists.
Every child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has unique strengths, interests, and developmental needs. While autism may present challenges in communication or social interaction, many autistic children also have incredible strengths such as creativity, attention to detail, and strong memory skills.
With the right support, children on the autism spectrum can build meaningful skills that help them succeed at home, in school, and in their communities.
For families in the Chicago suburbs, understanding autism spectrum disorder is often the first step toward accessing supportive therapy services. With early intervention and a collaborative care team, children with autism can make significant progress and develop skills that support their long-term growth.
Gracent Pediatric Therapy is committed to supporting families across the Chicago area by providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy services designed to help autistic children reach their fullest potential.
Gracent Pediatric Therapy — formerly Pine Cone Therapies in Texas and includes three North Shore Pediatric Therapy centers in Illinois — is part of the Gracent network and a sister company to North Shore Pediatric Therapy. Together, we’re creating connected, compassionate care for children and families across every stage of growth.
Services at North Shore Pediatric Therapy and Gracent Pediatric Therapy centers are provided by affiliated professional corporations.
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