Does Imagination ABA Therapy have a waitlist?

No. We provide in-home ABA therapy with no waitlist, so your child can start care quickly.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept most major insurance plans and all NJ Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare).

What areas do you serve?

We serve families throughout New Jersey, from Atlantic City to Newark and everywhere in between.

Do you offer services in Spanish?

Yes. Our team provides ABA therapy and family support in both English and Spanish.

Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers: What NJ Parents Should Know

Hans Nakdimen
Jul 31
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Every child develops at their own pace, but there are patterns that pediatricians and specialists look for when it comes to early signs of autism. Recognizing these signs early, ideally before age 2 or 3, gives families the best chance to start intervention while the brain is most responsive to learning new skills.

Social Communication Differences

Common early signs include limited eye contact, not responding consistently to their name by 12 months, not pointing to show interest in something by 14-18 months, and delayed or absent babbling or first words. Some toddlers may also show less interest in back-and-forth play, like peekaboo, compared to peers.

What Screening Tools Actually Look For

Pediatricians typically use standardized screening tools like the M-CHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised) at the 18 and 24 month well-child visits, per American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. This screening asks caregivers specific, research-validated questions, such as whether a child points to show interest, responds to their name, or engages in pretend play, since these specific markers have been shown in large studies to reliably differentiate typical development from early signs of autism.

Why Early Screening Timing Matters

Research published in journals like Pediatrics has found that children screened and diagnosed before age 3 who begin intervention promptly show significantly stronger developmental trajectories than those diagnosed later, largely due to the brain's heightened neuroplasticity in early childhood. This is why the AAP recommends universal screening at these specific ages rather than only screening children whose parents happen to raise a concern first.

Repetitive Behaviors and Routines

Watch for repetitive movements like hand-flapping or rocking, intense focus on parts of objects (like spinning wheels) rather than the whole toy, strong distress over small changes in routine, and unusual reactions to sounds, textures, or lights, either seeking them out or avoiding them strongly.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you notice several of these patterns, the next step is a developmental screening with your pediatrician, who can refer you to New Jersey's Early Intervention System for a full evaluation, available for children under age 3 regardless of insurance status. Early evaluation doesn't require a firm diagnosis first; the goal is simply figuring out whether extra support could help your child right now.