{"id":453,"date":"2014-12-06T01:45:27","date_gmt":"2014-12-06T01:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/?page_id=453"},"modified":"2026-11-11T17:57:29","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T17:57:29","slug":"what-is-autism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/about-autism\/what-is-autism\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Autism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull abi-page-hero abi-hero-big has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns abi-hero-cols is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"abi-crumb wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/about-autism\/\">\u2190 About Autism<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading abi-kw\">What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?<\/h1>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading abi-hero-title\">Understanding <em>Autism<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"abi-lead wp-block-paragraph\">Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commonly called autism, is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world. Autism is described as a spectrum because individuals with autism have a wide range of strengths, abilities, and support needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column abi-hero-img abi-hero-cutout is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"1030\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/wp-content\/uploads\/abi-hero-girl-curly-laughing-841x1030.webp\" alt=\"Young girl with curly hair laughing\" class=\"wp-image-4100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/wp-content\/uploads\/abi-hero-girl-curly-laughing-841x1030.webp 841w, https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/wp-content\/uploads\/abi-hero-girl-curly-laughing-326x400.webp 326w, https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/wp-content\/uploads\/abi-hero-girl-curly-laughing-768x941.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/wp-content\/uploads\/abi-hero-girl-curly-laughing.webp 857w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull abi-section abi-bg-white has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group abi-prose has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some children with autism develop spoken language, while others may communicate through gestures, pictures, or communication devices. Some children enjoy interacting with peers but have difficulty navigating social situations, while others may prefer different types of social interaction. Each child\u2019s development is unique.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Characteristics of <em>Autism<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Autism is characterized by differences in two main areas:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group abi-panel has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Social Communication and Interaction<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children with autism may develop and use communication and social skills differently from other children. These differences can include:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list abi-checks\">\n<li>Delays or differences in speech and language development.<\/li>\n\n<li>Difficulty using or understanding gestures, facial expressions, or other forms of nonverbal communication.<\/li>\n\n<li>Differences in initiating or responding to social interactions.<\/li>\n\n<li>Difficulty engaging in back-and-forth conversations or shared activities.<\/li>\n\n<li>Challenges developing play skills or interacting with peers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some children with autism are very interested in social relationships, while others may prefer more independent activities. Social strengths and challenges vary from child to child.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group abi-panel has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Repetitive Behaviors, Routines, Interests, and Sensory Differences<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Children with autism may also demonstrate:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list abi-checks\">\n<li>Repetitive movements, such as hand flapping or rocking.<\/li>\n\n<li>Repeating words or phrases they have heard.<\/li>\n\n<li>Strong preferences for familiar routines or difficulty adjusting to unexpected changes.<\/li>\n\n<li>Highly focused interests in particular objects, topics, or activities.<\/li>\n\n<li>Repetitive ways of playing with toys or exploring objects.<\/li>\n\n<li>Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, or other sensory experiences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These characteristics are not necessarily problematic. For example, repetitive movements may provide comfort, and focused interests can be sources of enjoyment and learning. Support may be helpful when these differences interfere with a child\u2019s safety, communication, participation, or everyday activities.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Every Child with Autism Is <em>Different<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Autism affects each child differently, and a child\u2019s strengths and support needs may change as they grow and develop.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding each child\u2019s individual needs is important when determining what services and supports may be beneficial.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can ABA Therapy <em>Help?<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach to helping children with autism develop meaningful skills. Depending on the child\u2019s needs, treatment may focus on communication, play, social interaction, independence, and skills that help children participate more successfully in everyday activities.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Autism Behavior Intervention (ABI), treatment is individualized, with goals developed around each child\u2019s strengths, needs, and family priorities. Our focus is on helping children build skills that make a meaningful difference in their lives.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull abi-section abi-bg-white abi-center has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group abi-section-head has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"abi-eyebrow wp-block-paragraph\">Explore About Autism<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Continue Learning<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/about-autism\/early-signs-of-autism\/\">Early Signs of Autism<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/our-approach\/applied-behavior-analysis-aba\/\">Our Approach<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--3\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/get-started\/enroll-now\/\">Enroll Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull abi-cta-band abi-center has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading abi-cta-title\">Committed to Providing the Help Your Child and Family Need Since 2004<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"abi-cta-text wp-block-paragraph\">We encourage you to ask questions and are here to talk by phone or email about our treatment program and to answer your questions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons abi-cta-btns is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/schedule-a-consultation\/\">Schedule a Consultation<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--4\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teamabi.com\/intrepid\/insurance-verification\/\">Check My Insurance Benefits<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--5\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:18446467516\">Call Now to Speak with a Specialist<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2190 About Autism What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Understanding Autism Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commonly called autism, is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world. Autism is described as a spectrum because individuals with autism have a wide range of strengths, abilities, and support needs. Some [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":63,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"page-no-title","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-453","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is Autism - Autism Behavior Intervention<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is Autism - Autism Behavior Intervention\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u2190 About Autism What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Understanding Autism Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commonly called autism, is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world. Autism is described as a spectrum because individuals with autism have a wide range of strengths, abilities, and support needs. 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