FAQ

Don’t wait—start now! Early intervention doesn’t have to mean sitting on a waitlist. Autism Jumpstart empowers parents with practical strategies to build foundational skills before therapy even begins. The earlier you start, the better the outcomes!

Autistic traits are present from birth, even if diagnosis happens later. Babies as young as two months old show differences in eye contact, social responses, and engagement. Catching these early signs means you can start helping your child right away—while the brain is at its most adaptable.

Make faces fun and rewarding! Pause before giving your child something they want, waiting for them to glance at you before continuing. Weave social connection into daily routines, using favorite activities to create moments where looking at your face unlocks the next fun part.

Words aren’t just labels—they serve a function. Autistic children may learn words in one context but struggle to use them elsewhere. Start by imitating your child’s sounds and reinforcing any attempt at vocalization. Over time, this helps bridge the gap to meaningful communication.

Yes! Work with your child’s natural schedule—track when they typically go and build a routine around those times. If they tend to go at night, put the potty where they feel comfortable. Reinforce success with a preferred motivator, and remember—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Joint attention—the ability to share focus with another person—is essential for learning and social connection. You can encourage it by positioning yourself face-to-face during play, pausing before continuing fun activities, and reinforcing any glance toward you.

The earlier we help autistic children engage with people, the more naturally they learn through observation and imitation. Even small changes in your daily interactions—like making your face part of play and rewarding eye contact—can set the foundation for lifelong social and communication growth.