In the first few years of life, more than 1 million new neural connections form every second.

Signs of Autism often appear early. Early intervention is key - did you know that 90% of brain growth occurs by age 5? Test early and intervene early for Autism. Early signs of Autism may include:

• Not responding to their name consistently
• Avoiding eye contact
• Delayed speech development
• Preferring to play by self
• Struggles to understand or "read" other's feelings
• Tantrums during transitions or small changes
• Playing with toys in an unusual way
• Hand-flapping, toe-walking, pacing, lining up objects
• Under or over-sensitive to smells, tastes, or touch
• Lack of awareness to dangerous situations 

Dr. Barta's background as a School Psychologist and evaluating in educational psychology allows her to write reports that already include the educational criteria schools need to provide additional support so you don't need to wait in another "line".

 While children and adolescents may have many of the same difficulties as toddlers, you may notice an increasingly difficult time to "keep up" with peers and other demands. Challenges may include:

• Lagging social skills, may seem "immature"
• Strictly following rules or being too literal
• Speaking too formally
• Preferring to be alone or interacting with adults
• Lacking imaginative play
• Avoiding eye contact
• Struggles to understand or "read" other's feelings
• Getting more upset than expected for small changes
• Hand-flapping, toe-walking, pacing, lining up objects
• Under or over-sensitive to smells, tastes, or touch

 Dr. Barta's background as a School Psychologist and evaluating in educational psychology allows her to write reports that already include the educational criteria schools need to provide additional support so you don't need to wait in another "line". Test early and intervene early for Autism - it's not too late.

Autism can look different for adolescents and adults, especially after spending a lifetime trying to "blend-in". Signs of Autism for older adolescents or adults who are "high-functioning" may include:

• Being too literal
• Knowing when it is your turn to talk
• Understanding what others are thinking or feeling
• Challenges making and keeping friends
• Copying others' behavior to try and fit in
• Sensory differences (under or overwhelmed more than others)
• Tone of voice differences
• Special interests
• Being detail oriented
• Becoming upset with sudden change in plans

Sound like you or someone you know? It may be helpful to have more answers about you/your loved one's functioning. Dr. Barta's background in as a School Psychologist, educational psychology, and extended experience with evaluations can help you find answers that can change perspective, fast.