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Recognizing the Early Signs of Autism

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. So when something feels different, it can be hard not to wonder what it means.

Maybe your toddler is not using as many words as other children their age. Maybe they do not always respond when you call their name, prefer playing alone, or become very upset when their routine changes. These moments can bring up a lot of questions, and it is completely normal to feel unsure.

At Best Buds ABA, we understand how important it is for families to feel supported, informed, and confident as they look for answers.

Every child develops at their own pace, but certain patterns can point to developmental differences worth exploring. Autism can affect how a child communicates, plays, learns, and interacts with the world around them. Recognizing the signs early can help families seek guidance and begin helpful support sooner.

Here are 5 early signs of autism parents may notice:

1. Delayed Speech or Communication

Some children may say fewer words than expected for their age, stop using words they once had, or have trouble expressing what they need. Others may not point, wave, or use gestures to communicate.

2. Limited Eye Contact or Response to Name

A child may not consistently look when you call their name, may seem like they are not listening, or may avoid eye contact during interactions.

3. Repetitive Behaviors

Children with autism may repeat certain actions, such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning objects, lining up toys, or watching the same part of a video over and over.

4. Strong Reactions to Changes in Routine

Many children feel comforted by routine, but some may become very upset when plans change, transitions happen, or something is done differently than expected.

5. Difficulty with Social Play

A child may prefer playing alone, have trouble joining other children, or may not engage in pretend play the way other children their age do.

Noticing these signs can feel overwhelming, but they do not have to leave you feeling stuck. With the right support, children can make meaningful progress in communication, social interaction, daily routines, and independence.

How ABA Therapy Can Help

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, is an evidence-based approach that helps children build important skills in communication, social interaction, daily routines, and behavior. ABA therapy is personalized to each child’s needs and can be especially helpful when started early.

For families looking for support, in-home ABA therapy can provide a comfortable and familiar setting where children can learn skills that fit naturally into everyday life.

Noticing one or more of these signs does not automatically mean your child has autism, but it may be a reason to speak with your pediatrician or request a developmental evaluation. Early support can make a meaningful difference, and getting answers is a powerful step forward for your child.

For families who are ready to take the next step, finding a therapy team that is compassionate, experienced, and family-focused can make all the difference.

Best Buds ABA provides ABA therapy services for children and families in Nevada and Colorado. Our team is here to support each child’s growth with compassionate, individualized therapy focused on building meaningful skills for everyday life.

Ready to learn more? Contact Best Buds ABA today to speak with our team and find out how ABA therapy can support your child’s growth, confidence, and independence

Amy Naffa, MA, BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Licensed Behavior Analyst

Amy Naffa, MA, BCBA, LBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in Nevada who is passionate about helping children and families achieve meaningful, lasting progress through evidence-based ABA services.

With years of experience supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, Amy has worked across home, school, and clinical settings. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with families, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and creating individualized programs that help each child reach their unique potential.

Amy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Fresno Pacific University and her Master’s Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Her clinical approach emphasizes compassionate care, family partnership, and data-driven decision-making to promote meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, their three doodles, and their orange cat. She loves traveling, shopping, attending church, and making memories with family and friends.

Melissa Zuniga M.S. BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Melissa Zuniga is a bilingual Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Nevada and Utah with experience in both education and behavioral health since 2006. Over the years, she had the opportunity to work in many different roles including direct therapist, teacher, RBT, behavior consultant, and BCBA, which has helped her develop a well-rounded and compassionate approach when supporting children and families. Melissa’s specialty is in early childhood intervention, with a focus on building communication, social, behavioral, and adaptive skills through individualized and developmentally appropriate support.

She is passionate about helping clients build communication, independence, emotional regulation, social, and daily living skills across home, school, clinic, and community settings.
Melissa especially values working closely with families and creating individualized, culturally responsive care that feels supportive, practical, and meaningful for each child’s unique needs.

Patrick Gray, MA, CAS, BCBA

Clinical Director

Patrick is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked in clinical applied behavior analysis for over eight years. He completed his Masters and Certificate of Advanced Study in school psychology at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, practicing for two years before getting his BCBA credential in 2017 through the University of Colorado at Denver. Patrick has worked with children with disabilities since 2011, and has specialized in social skills training, school-based collaboration, and serving individuals impacted by severe behavior. He is particularly proud of his membership in COABA and his work in the Public Policy Committee, specifically the Medical Necessity in Schools Action Committee. Outside of work, you can find him attending concerts, doing laps in a pool, or reading.

Candice Ashley "Candi" Delto-Alambatin M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Candi is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) dedicated to supporting children and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology, where she gained experience supporting young women impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Candi initially entered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) while pursuing a different career path. However, through her work with children and families, she discovered a strong passion for creating meaningful, lasting change through behavioral support. This led her to further her education and earn a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Since 2017, Candi has worked with individuals ages 2 through 21 with autism and related developmental needs, including ADHD, ODD, OCD, Down syndrome, Anxiety, Epilepsy, and other behavioral and developmental differences in Nevada. She has provided services across telehealth (in Colorado and Maryland), home, clinic, school, and community-based settings, allowing her to support families in a wide range of environments. Candi is passionate about helping individuals develop functional, meaningful skills that increase independence and improve quality of life. Her clinical approach focuses on identifying the underlying function of behavior and implementing individualized, data-driven interventions designed to support long-term success.

She is known for balancing empathy with structure, ensuring that care is both compassionate and effective. Candi prioritizes collaboration with caregivers and interdisciplinary teams to promote consistency across environments and meaningful progress over time. She is deeply committed to parent training and caregiver support, equipping families with practical strategies they can confidently implement in their daily lives. As a BCBA, Candi integrates principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her clinical approach, supporting individuals and caregivers in building psychological flexibility, strengthening values-based decision making, and developing adaptive coping strategies. She strives to create a supportive and respectful therapeutic environment for everyone involved, including clients, families, behavior technicians, and colleagues. She approaches her work with cultural sensitivity, professionalism, and a genuine respect for the unique experiences of each individual she serves. Her goal is to provide high-quality care that leads to meaningful, sustainable outcomes for every individual and family.

Brittany Archuleta

Operations Manager

Brittany Archuleta began her journey in ABA over six years ago as an RBT, working directly with children and seeing firsthand the incredible impact individualized support can have on their lives. As she grew in her career, Brittany discovered a passion not only for helping children succeed but also for supporting the teams and systems that make that care possible. Today, in her leadership and operations role, she is dedicated to building strong, compassionate teams and creating an environment where every child and family feels supported, empowered, and celebrated. Brittany believes that meaningful connections, thoughtful guidance, and a commitment to growth are at the heart of truly transformative ABA care.

Jairin Dela Cruz, BCBA, LBA, DBH-C

Clinical Director

Jairin is a passionate advocate for individuals and families in the autism community, bringing a unique blend of medical knowledge, behavioral expertise, and cultural understanding to her work. She earned her Doctorate in Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in psychology in the Philippines and later became certified by the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates in the U.S..

Her journey shifted when a family member was diagnosed with autism, inspiring her to dedicate her life to supporting individuals and families through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Jairin studied ABA at the Florida Institute of Technology and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2015, building a strong foundation for her evidence-based practice. For over a decade, she has helped individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges, collaborating with parents, caregivers, and behavior technicians to foster supportive environments where every individual can reach their fullest potential. She also guides a team of BCBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), helping them provide compassionate, high-quality care. Deeply committed to community service, Jairin volunteers at autism awareness events, family resource programs, and outreach initiatives, always approaching her work with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and profound respect for the diverse families she serves.

Today, as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Nevada and a doctoral candidate in behavioral health, Jairin focuses on delivering ABA interventions that blend her clinical expertise with ongoing research to help individuals thrive. Her mission is to provide care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and partner closely with families, and guide her team to ensure every individual receives the support they need to reach their fullest potential.