Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, experiences their environment, and responds to the world around them.

The word “spectrum” is important. Autism does not look the same in every person. Some differences may become noticeable during the first few years of life, while others may not become apparent until school, adolescence, or even adulthood.

What Are Some Signs of Autism?

Signs can vary by age and individual, but may include:

• Limited or inconsistent eye contact

• Not consistently responding to their name

• Delayed speech or differences in how language is used

• Limited pointing, gestures, or sharing of interests with others

• Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation or social interaction

• Difficulty developing or maintaining friendships

• Repeating words, phrases, movements, or activities

• Strong or highly focused interests

• Preference for routines and difficulty with unexpected changes or transitions

• Unusual sensitivity—or reduced sensitivity—to sounds, textures, lights, smells, tastes, touch, pain, or temperature

• Repetitive movements such as rocking or hand movements

• Differences in imaginative or social play

Some older children, teens, and adults may have subtler signs. They may struggle to understand social cues, feel unsure how to navigate friendships, rely heavily on routines, have intense interests, or consciously mask their differences to fit in.

A List of Signs Is Not a Diagnosis

Many of these characteristics can occur without autism and can overlap with ADHD, language disorders, anxiety, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and other conditions.

That is why an autism assessment is more than a questionnaire.

If you have noticed differences in your child's communication, development, behavior, play, or social interaction, you don't have to wait and wonder.

A comprehensive evaluation can help determine what is happening and what support may be appropriate.

When a child shows signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delay, recognizing those concerns early can help families access evaluation, therapies, and support sooner.

Pediatric healthcare guidance emphasizes the important role of pediatricians and primary care physicians in developmental surveillance and the early recognition of signs that may warrant further evaluation. Rather than simply waiting to see whether concerns resolve, timely evaluation can help determine whether a child would benefit from additional developmental services.

For children with autism and developmental differences, early intervention is a critical part of care. The goal is not to change who a child is, but to identify individual strengths and challenges and provide support where it can make a meaningful difference.

Depending on the child's needs, intervention may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral or developmental therapy, educational support, and family-centered interventions. Services for developmental delays often do not need to wait until an autism evaluation is complete.

Dr. Weisman has received specialized training in the comprehensive evaluation of young children, adolescents, and adults with suspected autism spectrum disorder.

A comprehensive autism evaluation goes beyond a screening questionnaire. It brings together developmental and medical history, direct clinical observation, communication and social functioning, patterns of behavior and interests, and other relevant developmental information.

Dr. Weisman's evaluation process is designed to determine whether an individual meets established diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or developmental delay, including applicable criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR™) along with other validated tools (CARS2, Vanderbilt ASD-Peds & more)

Yes. Understanding why someone experiences the world differently can change what happens next.

An autism diagnosis isn't about putting a label on someone. A thorough evaluation can identify strengths, challenges, and support needs—and determine whether autism is actually the best explanation.

For Children, Earlier Answers Can Mean Earlier Support

When developmental differences are identified early, families can act sooner. An evaluation may help:

• Identify communication, social, sensory, behavioral, or developmental needs

• Guide individualized therapies and interventions

• Connect families with early-intervention and educational resources

• Help parents, teachers, and caregivers better understand how a child communicates, learns, and responds to their environment

• Identify other developmental, behavioral, or medical concerns that may need attention

And you don't have to wait for an autism diagnosis to begin addressing an identified developmental delay.

What About Teens and Adults?

Getting answers can still be meaningful later in life.

For some people, an autism evaluation helps make sense of lifelong experiences with relationships, communication, sensory sensitivities, routines, intense interests, school, work, or feeling different from others.

A diagnosis, when appropriate, may also help guide individualized healthcare, mental-health care, educational or workplace supports, and accommodations.

The Goal Isn't a Label. It's Understanding.

An evaluation doesn't start with the assumption that you or your child has autism.

The goal is to understand the whole person, determine what may be contributing to their experiences, and provide clearer direction for what comes next.

If you've been wondering, “Could this be autism?”, getting a comprehensive evaluation may replace uncertainty with useful answers.

Getting started at Weisman Medical Services is simple.

You don't have to navigate a complicated process or wonder what your next step should be. We're here to help.

Ready to Schedule?

Just call our office. (812) 441-4290 Our team can help get you or your child scheduled for an autism assessment and explain what to expect.

Prefer to Talk With Your Doctor First?

That's completely fine, too. Talk with your primary care physician or your child's healthcare provider about your concerns. They can send a referral to Weisman Medical Services using the referral form below.

Help Us See the Whole Picture

Autism assessments aren't about one test or questionnaire. We want to understand the whole person.

When available, we appreciate receiving relevant records such as:

• Previous developmental, psychological, or educational testing

• School evaluations or IEP documentation

• Therapy evaluations and progress reports

• Relevant medical records

• Other documentation that may help us understand you or your child's developmental history

Don't have those records? That's okay. Contact our office and we'll help you determine what is needed.

Still Have Questions?

Complete the contact form below, and someone from our office will reach out to provide more information and help you decide on your next step.

Call. Refer. Ask questions. We'll help you from there.