This page provides families with clear, research-based information about autism and related developmental profiles. Here, you’ll find explanations of common signs across social communication, behavior, sensory processing, and emotional regulation — along with examples to help you recognize how these differences may appear in everyday life. We also outline the diagnostic criteria, describe how evaluations are conducted, and address common questions parents have when seeking clarity about their child’s development. At Aria Alessia Kids Health Clinic, our goal is to give you the knowledge and context you need to better understand your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and support options.
Identifying autism is not about any single behavior or moment. It involves recognizing patterns — often subtle, sometimes confusing — that reflect differences in how a child communicates, connects, plays, regulates emotions, and responds to the world around them.
Clinicians are trained to identify these patterns through a combination of tools: caregiver interviews, behavior observations, and standardized measures. These help clarify whether the behaviors fit the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which are based on decades of clinical research and developmental science.
To help families understand what we look for — and how those clinical criteria translate into everyday behavior — we've outlined some of the most common signs that may prompt an autism evaluation.
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This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or psychological advice. For clinical evaluation or treatment planning, please consult with a qualified licensed provider.