Early signs of autism can be subtle in infants and toddlers and include differences in communication, sensory, feeding, play, and motor. We want to empower caregivers to identify and support these children as early as possible.

Autism testing is coming soon!

Our years of experience with young children along with listening to families have honed our detective skills around autism patterns. We specialize in the earliest signs of communication differences and delays. For now, we encourage you to read on about common patterns you may notice.

Autism is a pattern of differences.

Speech and Language

Your child likely has language learning differences and might have delays. They may have been quiet babies or noisy babies. They may not be waving, pointing, or saying any words. They might use your hand to get toys to work or to get things they want. They might talk non-stop about their favorite things. They may copy phrases they’ve learned from you or favorite shows. They may sound like they are talking like people around them but they aren’t using many words. Your child may rarely imitate sounds or words.

Routines

Your child likely enjoys routines that are repeated the same way and may struggle with transition. Your child might love letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. Your child might notice details and might like their toys or things around your house to be a certain way. Your child might have learned to read words early or it may be hard to get them interested in books. Your child might enjoy pretend play that has the same steps and words repeated.

Social

You might notice your child doesn’t often look up when you talk to them or when they communicate with you. Your child might not respond to their name when you call them. Your child might walk right up to strangers and hug them or may become upset around new people. Your child may prefer to play alone or may want to direct what others do during play routines. They might prefer interacting with older children or adults.

Sensory

Your child may be sensitive to sounds or the way things feel like having their hair washed. Your child may love loud sounds, music, crashing, jumping, rocking, flapping their hands, and big hugs. Your child might avoid hugs and prefer quiet activities. Your child might like to listen to the same things repeatedly. They might enjoy looking at objects up close or out of the corner of their eyes. Your child may like to hold on to toys all the time or not like to touch many things at all.

How do you support children on the autism spectrum?

We offer caregiver coaching to encourage connection, communication, and language.

We help you create play activities that support your child’s sensory preferences.

We help you build opportunities for your child to participate in daily routines like feeding a pet or emptying the grocery bag.

We support families through challenging moments of communication breakdowns and difficult routines.  

FAQs

    • We specialize in the earliest signs of communication differences and delays

    • Our years of experience with young children and listening to families have honed our detective skills around autism patterns

    • We provide a strengths-based neurodiversity-affirming perspective on your unique child

    • We love the process of helping parents, who know their children best, learn what autism is (and isn’t) and begin their journey of discovering how to connect & communicate

    • A medical autism diagnosis in Massachusetts can be given by medical doctors such as pediatricians, psychologists, and neurologists

    • At C2C we partner and collaborate with local doctors to evaluate, discuss, diagnose, and build a plan of support

    • Open doors for additional support & therapies for your child

    • Support you to take the next steps on your journey rather than feeling stuck 

    • Help you understand how your child’s brain works and later helps your child know about their wonderful brain

    • When you, a family member, or a friend notice and wonder about early signs of autism

    • When your pediatrician or any developmental expert suggests testing

    • When your instinct is guiding you to explore autism

    • If you have another child with an autism diagnosis testing may be recommended

    • Many health insurance companies cover autism testing

    • You may have co-pays and other costs depending on your insurance coverage

    • A superbill can be provided for potential reimbursement for out-of-network insurance

    • Private pay is accepted

    • Autism can sometimes be diagnosed as young as 12 months

    • The average age of diagnosis in Massachusetts is four

    • 1 in 36 children in the US are on the autism spectrum

    • It is never too early (or too late!) to wonder about and seek information about autism