Elizabeth Quaye

Some individuals with ASD learn to use certain behaviors to minimize or conceal their symptoms so they can be perceived as neurotypical. The term “masking” (also referred to as “camouflaging”) is used to describe these coping strategies.

While an experienced clinician can reliably identify ASD in children as young as age 2 years, many do not receive a diagnosis until they are much older. This article describes what you should do to prepare for the initial evaluation if you suspect your child may have ASD, or if you think you might have ASD.