Autism is a spectrum disorder and therefore it can range from very mild to severe. Some children may seem to be developing typically and then appear to regress and lose skills around 18-24 months. Other children may have developmental delays that are apparent earlier.
Because early intervention is so important to minimizing the delays associated with autism, it is critical to diagnose and treat autism as soon as it is suspected. A “wait and see” approach may be suggested by some, but if you are worried about autism, it is important to seek an evaluation by qualified professionals right away.