Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
By Jacklyn DeVoss
BA, Registered Behavior Technician
Spectrum Matters, LLC
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is a disability characterized by differences in the brain. It presents itself as deficits in communication, limited social skills, and causes the individual to engage in restricted and repetitive behaviors.
Autism is a spectrum. There are times when you may not be able to tell if someone is living with it, while other times it may be observable right away. Autism is diagnosed in three levels. These levels reflect how autism is affecting a person’s ability to complete tasks, communicate, and be independent.
No individual with autism is the same, and they all come with their own strengths and weaknesses as we all do.
DIFFERENT does not mean LESS.
What Causes Autism? Why is it so common now?
There is NO known cause of autism. Several genes seem to be involved to cause autism. In some, genetic changes known as gene mutations increases the likelihood for autism. Research continues in autism to understand the causes. Autism is NOT NEW. According to the (Autism Research Institute, 2021) researchers have been studying autism-like disorders since the 1940’s. There have also been records describing individuals engaging in behaviors similar to those seen by those with autism dating back centuries.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) (Shaw KA, 2025)released an article in April of 2025 which reflected a higher prevalence in ASD occurrences in areas where access to diagnostic facilities was higher. It also showed an increase in people seeking diagnosis in 2018.
The rate for ASD currently stands at 1 in 31.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Autism?
Early signs of Autism include:
- 6 months: Limited happy or engaging expressions, limited or no eye contact. Seeming detached from caregivers.
- 9 months: Little or no back-and forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions.
- 12 months: Little or no babbling, limited or no back-and- forth gestures such as pointing, reaching, or waving, minimal or lack of responding to name.
- 16 months: Few or no words, or words are inconsistent and not retained.
- 24 months: Few or no functional two-word phrases (not including repetition)
Signs that can become present at any age:
- Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling, or social skills. (Known as regression).
- Avoidance of eye contact, persistent preference for solitude, difficulty understanding other people’s feelings.
- Delayed language development, persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia).
- Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
- Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors.
- Delays in gross or fine motor development (seeming uncoordinated or struggling to hold or open things).
What do I do if I suspect my child has Autism?
- Consult your pediatrician.
- Document anything you see that gives you cause for concern (see above signs and symptoms).
- ADVOCATE- You are your child’s voice and your voice MATTERS.
- Familiarize yourself with local resources for diagnosis and treatment.
How does Autism affect families?
- Autism, as well as any disability, can cause a mental, emotional, and financial strain on families.
- According to the CDC (Shaw KA, 2025) one individual can cost approximately $1.4 million in care costs (before insurance) in their lifetime.
- Caring for a child with autism can lead to siblings and spouses feeling as though they do not receive enough attention, leading to conflict.
- Parents are prone to exhaustion and burnout.
- Brothers and sisters to individuals with autism have reported that they feel their experience made them more open and understanding to those who are different. They also report feeling a close and positive relationship to their sibling, rather than resentment.
- Seek out local resources for support in care, mental health, and family counseling.
What are treatment options and resources?
- Therapies such as Speech, Occupational, and Applied Behavior Analysis are effective treatments for the symptoms of autism.
- ABA therapy is the gold standard for treatment for ASD.
- Early intervention is key to ensuring the best outcome. The sooner you receive services, the better the results.
- It is important to research the options in your area.
- Research laws regarding insurance coverage of services.
- South Dakota being a rural state suffers from a lack of treatment options, leading families to resort to commuting multiple hours to receive services.
- South Dakota also suffers from a lack of resources for adults with autism. Leading to those who age out of current services at the age of 18 to cope with housing and employment without necessary support.
Autism is a lifelong condition, and while it is not curable, many of its symptoms and co-occurring conditions are treatable, especially with early intervention, which tends to yield the most effective outcomes. Ongoing advances in understanding autism and its related challenges have led to better support and improved outcomes. Today, more children with autism are participating in mainstream classrooms than ever before, and many go on to live with a degree of independence. Nevertheless, individuals with autism continue to experience some level of impact from the condition throughout their lives. With acceptance, awareness, and continuing learning on how to best support and embrace individuals with autism, we can continue to give them better futures filled with hope and fulfillment.