While every child develops differently, some early signs of autism may include:

• Limited eye contact
• Delayed speech or language development
• Not responding consistently to their name
• Repetitive movements or behaviors
• Difficulty with social interaction or pretend play
• Strong reactions to certain sounds, textures, or routines

If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t wait to seek answers. Speak with your pediatrician or contact The Uncommon Thread to learn about the next steps.

Autism can often be identified as early as 16 months of age.

Unfortunately, many families wait 6–12 months or longer for an autism evaluation. During that time, children may miss a critical period of brain development when early intervention can have the greatest impact.

At The Uncommon Thread, we believe children shouldn’t have to wait months for answers whenever it can be avoided.

An evaluation may be recommended if:

• Your child has developmental delays
• Your pediatrician has concerns
• A daycare provider or preschool teacher has expressed concerns
• You notice differences in communication, play, or social interaction

An evaluation helps determine whether autism or another developmental condition is present and provides guidance on the most appropriate next steps.

Every child develops differently, but ongoing concerns about communication, social interaction, play, or behavior should never be ignored.

Seeking an evaluation doesn’t mean your child has autism—it simply provides answers. If autism or another developmental delay is identified, your child can begin receiving support during the years when intervention is often most effective. If your child is developing typically, families gain peace of mind knowing they took the right steps.

Our 30-Day Pathway is designed to help children ages 1–5 move from developmental concerns to autism screening or evaluation and the start of ABA therapy in as little as 30 days, whenever possible.

Many families wait 6–12 months or longer for an autism evaluation. During those valuable months, children may miss opportunities to receive early intervention during the most important years of brain development.

Our team helps families navigate every step by:

• Coordinating autism screening and evaluations
• Connecting families with trusted diagnostic specialists
• Providing education and guidance
• Assisting with insurance questions
• Helping children begin ABA therapy as quickly as possible

Our goal is simple: help children receive answers and begin services as early as possible.

EarliPoint™ is an FDA-authorized autism screening technology that helps identify children who may be at risk for autism beginning at 16 months of age.

Using advanced eye-tracking technology, EarliPoint observes how a child naturally watches short videos and compares those viewing patterns with thousands of other children. The assessment:

• Is designed for children as young as 16 months old
• Takes about 30–40 minutes
• Is completely noninvasive
• Provides objective information to help determine whether a comprehensive autism evaluation is recommended

EarliPoint is (when appropriate) an important part of The Uncommon Thread’s 30-Day Pathway, helping eligible children receive answers sooner and reducing delays in accessing evaluation and treatment.

Yes.

We help families access autism evaluations through our network of trusted diagnostic specialists.

Depending on your child’s age and developmental needs, we also offer EarliPoint autism screening to help determine the most appropriate next steps and whether a comprehensive evaluation is recommended.

Every child’s situation is unique, but through our 30-Day Pathway, we strive to help eligible families move from developmental concerns to autism screening or evaluation and the start of ABA therapy in as little as 30 days, whenever possible.

While many families face evaluation wait times of 6–12 months or longer, our goal is to reduce unnecessary delays and help children access services during the years when early intervention can make the greatest difference.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children develop communication, social, learning, daily living, and behavioral skills.

Every treatment plan is individualized to meet each child’s strengths, needs, and goals.

ABA is one of the most extensively researched and proven treatments for autism. When individualized and delivered by qualified professionals, ABA helps children develop meaningful skills that improve communication, independence, learning, and quality of life.

The Uncommon Thread primarily serves children 1–5 years old, when early intervention has the greatest impact. Depending on a child’s needs, supportive services may continue up to 8 years old.

We provide therapy in the setting that best meets your child’s needs, including:

• Our ABA centers
• Your home
• Daycare
• Preschool
• Select YMCAs
• The Jointure
• HOPES

Providing therapy in natural environments helps children practice skills where they live, learn, and play every day.

Yes.

Our centers provide structured, individualized ABA programs that focus on communication, social skills, behavior, school readiness, and independence while partnering closely with families.

Absolutely.

Parents are an essential part of their child’s success. We provide ongoing parent education, coaching, and collaboration so families can confidently support their child’s progress at home and in everyday routines.

Our team guides families through every step, including:

• Understanding the diagnosis and ABA therapy
• Verifying insurance benefits
• Reviewing a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan
• Beginning ABA services
• Coordinating care with other providers

We work to make the transition as smooth and supportive as possible.

The Uncommon Thread accepts most major commercial insurance plans.

Our team is happy to verify your benefits, answer insurance questions, and explain your options.

The first few years of life are a period of rapid brain development.

Research consistently shows that children who begin intervention early often make greater gains in communication, learning, social skills, and independence.

Because many families wait months for an autism evaluation, The Uncommon Thread developed the 30-Day Pathway to help reduce delays and connect children with screening, evaluation, and treatment as quickly as possible whenever possible.

Founded in 2007, The Uncommon Thread is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with autism and their families thrive.

What sets us apart includes:

• Nearly 20 years of experience
• Innovative 30-Day Pathway
• EarliPoint autism screening technology site
• Compassionate, evidence-based ABA therapy
• Services in centers, homes, daycares, preschools, and community settings
• Strong partnerships with pediatricians, hospitals, schools, and diagnostic specialists
• A commitment to reducing barriers so children receive services as early as possible

If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t wait.

Our team will answer your questions, discuss your child’s needs, and help determine the most appropriate next steps.

Call: 908-604-4500

Email: earlyanswers@theuncommonthread.org

Together, we can help your child receive answers—and the support they need—as early as possible.