What Age Does Autism Peak? Key Developmental Stages Explained
What age does autism peak? Learn when signs become most noticeable and how ABA therapy at Milestone Achievements helps children thrive.
What age does autism peak? Autism is a lifelong condition, so it does not “peak” like some illnesses. However, certain traits and challenges may become most noticeable at specific ages during development.
Early Childhood (Ages 2-3)
Signs of autism often become most apparent between ages 2 and 3. This is when speech delays, difficulties with social interaction, and repetitive behaviors tend to emerge, leading many children to receive an autism diagnosis during this time.
School Age (Ages 6-12)
Between 6 and 12 years old, children with autism may face increased social challenges, sensory sensitivities, and learning differences as school expectations grow. This period often requires additional support to navigate complex social and academic demands.
Adolescence
During teenage years, emotional regulation, independence, and social relationships can become more difficult. Anxiety and stress might increase, creating new challenges that require tailored therapies.
Long-Term Growth
Although some autism symptoms become more noticeable at these stages, many individuals with autism make significant progress with therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Support adapts as the person grows to foster skills and independence.
At Milestone Achievements in Georgia, we provide personalized ABA therapy to support children at every stage of their journey. Contact us today to learn how our programs help children thrive.
Sources:
- https://thereachinstitute.org/how-autism-may-present-at-different-ages/
- https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/age-6-may-represent-key-turning-point-in-autism/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/signs-autism
- https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/symptoms-appear
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3150222/
- https://www.drakeinstitute.com/does-autism-get-worse-with-age
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451994422000141
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21826280/
- https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/autism/curriculum/documents/early-warning-signs-autism_508.pdf
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2011/921680
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