At what age is Autism Spectrum Disorder typically evident?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is generally recognized as being evident by age 3. By this age, many children exhibit noticeable signs and symptoms of the disorder, such as challenges with social interactions, communication difficulties, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Research indicates that developmental milestones in areas such as speech and social engagement can help identify ASD at this age.

While signs of ASD can sometimes be observed earlier, particularly by age 2, a diagnosis may not be reliably made until the more defined behaviors associated with autism begin to manifest in children, which typically occurs closer to age 3. Therefore, identifying ASD by age 3 allows for a more accurate assessment and facilitates early intervention, which is crucial for improving long-term outcomes for children with the condition.