Every child grows and learns at their own pace — but sometimes parents notice differences that spark questions. In this guide, Clinical Director Matt Soloway, MA, BCBA, IBA, LBA explains how recognizing early signs of autism can help families in the Northwest Suburbs take the next step toward understanding and support.
Understanding Autism Signs in Rolling Meadows and the Northwest Suburbs
“Parents are looking for answers, and that’s where compassionate and clear information really matters.” – Matthew Soloway, Clinical Director and Founder of Adaptive Steps ABA Therapy
Every child develops at their own pace — but sometimes parents begin to notice differences.
Maybe your child avoids eye contact, prefers to play alone, or becomes upset when routines change. These moments can raise understandable questions about development and next steps.
If you’re searching for ABA therapy in Rolling Meadows or the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, you’re already taking an important first step toward understanding and support. Families in nearby communities like Arlington Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Elk Grove Village often start here too — with curiosity, concern, and a desire to help their child thrive.
At Adaptive Steps ABA Therapy, we guide families through these early questions with compassion and evidence-based care. As a local clinician owned ABA clinic, our team provides in-home and clinic-based therapy designed to help children communicate, connect, and adapt — one small step at a time.
Early Signs of Autism in Children
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how children communicate, interact, and adapt to the world around them. While every situation is unique, there are common early signs of Autism parents can look for.
Persistent Deficits in Social Communication and Social Interaction
- Unconventional ways of starting a conversation or play
- Challenges with carrying on conversations
- Lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people
- Indifference to other people’s smiles or failure to comfort others
- Difficulty expressing needs or following directions
- Difficulty responding to gestures or social cues
- Prefers to play alone or avoids engaging with others
- Difficulty developing and maintaining relationships
- Challenges adjusting behavior to meet the social context
Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior, Interests, or Activites
- Highly resistent to when routines change
- Repetitive behaviors like rocking or hand-flapping
- Intense interest in specific toys or shows
- Sensitivity to sound, light, or textures
- Highly restrictive and/or obsessive interests
- Rigid black and white thinking
- Often preoccupied
- Unusual fears of everyday things
These examples come from the Adaptive Steps ABA Checklist, a free tool for parents noticing early developmental differences.
“What Does Autism Look Like?” — and Why That’s the Wrong Question
Autism doesn’t have a look or a sound; It’s a spectrum. Every individual experience is another individual experience. It is important to understand that the focus isn’t on labeling — it’s on understanding.
That understanding often begins with gentle observation and professional guidance. The goal isn’t to diagnose your child yourself, but to gather insight that can help you ask the right questions when you meet with a professional while navigating how to understand your child and their circumstances.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
The Parent Journey: What to Expect Emotionally
Starting ABA therapy can feel overwhelming — new schedules, new faces, new routines. But Soloway reminds parents that progress takes patience.
“A lot of parents tell me they wish they’d started sooner,” he shares. “They see progress so quickly and feel regret about waiting. My advice is always to focus on what you’re doing now — not what you could’ve done. Be present and give yourself compassion.”
He also emphasizes that growth is rarely linear:
“You’ll have good days and tougher ones. Celebrate the small wins — every success, no matter how small, drives the next step.”
If you recognize several of these patterns, it may be time to connect with a professional who can help assess your child’s developmental needs.
The first step is to reach out to your child’s pediatrician. They may be able to suggest a team of diagnosticians who can help your child get a diagnosis. You may also search for diagnosticians in your area that do Autism evaluations. When you call to schedule, confirm they utilize one or more of the following “gold-standard” assessments and that a comprehensive team implements them. The following are the most common:
- ADOS-2: A semi-structured assessment of communication and social interaction.
- ADI-R: A comprehensive interview conducted with parents regarding developmental history.
Once your child has an Autism diagnosis, they will be able to access evidence based treatments that will help address the symptoms of Autism. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most widely researched, evidence-based treatments for autism — and it’s most effective when started early. ABA therapy helps children with autism learn life-changing skills through positive reinforcement. Practitioners study the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind your child’s actions to help them communicate clearly, become more independent, and improve their quality of life all while reducing behaviors that might be holding them back.
At Adaptive Steps, therapy is individualized and can be conceptualized by “focused” and “comprehensive” treatment plans.
Focused treatment plans consist of 9-20 hours a week broken into three-five sessions per week. These treatment plans address a small number of specific, high-priority targets when a child already has many foundational skills but struggles with a few specific things.
Comprehensive treatment plans consist of 20-40 hours a week broken into four to five days per week. These treatment plans are intended to bridge the gap across all developmental areas. Comprehensive treatment is “wide.” It is designed to help children who have delays in multiple areas (speech, social, play, and self-care) by teaching them how to learn from their environment.
Think of ABA therapy as a prescription. A BCBA writes the treatment plan and determines the dosage — that might be nine hours a week or up to forty for intensive cases. Then a team of Registered Behavior Technicians works one-on-one with your child to implement it.
ABA therapy focuses on building communication, social, and daily living skills while supporting emotional regulation and family confidence.
Why Families Choose Adaptive Steps ABA Therapy
- ✅ Clinic-Owned and Community-Driven – Locally led by experienced BCBAs who understand the Northwest Suburbs.
- 🏡 In-Home ABA Options – Therapy sessions designed around your child’s natural environment.
- 👨👩👧 Family-Centered Approach – Parent coaching and collaborative planning to sustain progress beyond sessions.
- 📍 Convenient Locations – Serving Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Elk Grove Village, and nearby communities.
Download the Free ABA Checklist
Not sure where to start? The Adaptive Steps ABA Checklist helps you identify early signs and prepare for your first conversation with a professional.
“See the able, not the label. It’s the person who matters.”
📞 Call or text (847) 200-5078 to schedule a free consultation with Matt Soloway today.
