Autism Spectrum Disorder is typically evident before which age?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is typically evident before which age?

• A. Before age 1
• B. Before age 5
• C. Before age 3
• D. After age 3

Answer: (C)

Autism signs are usually observable in the early childhood years, with many children showing differences in social communication and repetitive behaviors by about 2 to 3 years of age. Because this pattern tends to be clear by age 3, the most accurate answer is that autism is evident before age 3. Some children may show early signs as young as infancy, but a reliable identification and diagnosis often occur around age 3. Options suggesting evidence before age 1 or after age 3 don’t align with the common developmental trajectory, and waiting until after age 3 would miss the typical window when signs are most clearly recognized.

Autism signs are usually observable in the early childhood years, with many children showing differences in social communication and repetitive behaviors by about 2 to 3 years of age. Because this pattern tends to be clear by age 3, the most accurate answer is that autism is evident before age 3. Some children may show early signs as young as infancy, but a reliable identification and diagnosis often occur around age 3. Options suggesting evidence before age 1 or after age 3 don’t align with the common developmental trajectory, and waiting until after age 3 would miss the typical window when signs are most clearly recognized.