Autism: Why Starting Early Can Change Everything
Beyond autism awareness, many families continue to face the same question:
How can you recognize the signs of autism, and what should you do next?
Dr. Maria Ferreras, PhD, LMHC, CEO and Founder of Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center, shared current insights about diagnosis, early warning signs, and access to support.
This topic was discussed during a radio interview on La Mega, broadcast in Lawrence on the program El Coro, as part of a My Health Fair (MHF) initiative aimed at bringing reliable information to the Latino community.
One of the most important points she highlighted was this:
“It’s no longer only children… now many adults are also being diagnosed with autism later in life.”
A Change in the Way Autism Is Understood
Today, autism is discussed more openly, but that does not necessarily mean there are more cases in absolute terms.
What it does mean is that there are better diagnostic tools and greater awareness.
Still, the numbers are striking:
- Before: 1 in every 150 children
- Today: approximately 1 in every 36
This shift has led many families to pay closer attention to signs that may have previously gone unnoticed.
As Dr. Ferreras explains:
“The autism spectrum refers to a wide range of symptoms and the severity of those symptoms.”
Autism is not a single condition, but rather a broad spectrum that can present itself in many different ways.
Early Signs: What Parents Often Notice First
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that mainly affects communication, social interaction, and certain behavioral patterns.
In many cases, the first signs appear during early childhood.
“A child may avoid eye contact, you call their name and they don’t respond… they play with the same toy constantly.”
Some of the most common signs include:
- Little or no eye contact
- Not responding to their name
- Difficulty socializing with other children
- Delayed speech or loss of previously learned words
- Repetitive movements or phrases
- Sensitivity to sounds or lights
- Intense fixation on specific objects
Other behaviors may also appear:
“They repeat the same movement over and over again… they remain focused on one thing and cannot move past it.”
And one important aspect many families eventually discover:
“They need routines because they do not respond well to change.”
Adults Receiving an Autism Diagnosis Later in Life
One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the recognition of autism in adults.
Many people grew up without a diagnosis, feeling different and struggling with social relationships or communication.
“Many adults tell me: I grew up without friendships… and now they understand they were on the spectrum.”
This has opened an important new conversation about mental health, identity, and access to support in adulthood.
Why Is Early Detection So Important?
One of the clearest messages from the interview was the importance of acting early.
“For parents with children, early intervention is critical.”
Recognizing signs between ages 2 and 3 can make a major difference in a child’s development.
Today, effective therapies such as ABA therapy and many specialized resources are available.
“Many children are improving… therapies and even nutritional changes have shown positive results.”
Breaking the Stigma Remains Essential
In many Latino communities, mental health continues to be a difficult subject to discuss.
“There is still a lot of taboo… and sometimes a child goes years without receiving help.”
This delay can affect both development and access to services.
One of Dr. Ferreras’ strongest messages was:
“It doesn’t matter if you deny the problem… the problem will not disappear.”
She added:
“Mental illnesses are just like physical illnesses. They must be faced and treated because help does exist.”
Autism: Intelligence and Potential
A common misconception is that autism is only associated with limitations.
The reality is far more complex.
“Many autistic individuals are highly intelligent… they can develop professional careers.”
Some people on the spectrum have exceptional abilities in areas such as technology, engineering, or creativity.
“They are the geniuses behind the computer… because they do not enjoy socializing.”
This reinforces the importance of not limiting expectations, but instead providing the right support for each individual case.
Resources and Access in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a network of seven Autism Support Centers strategically located throughout the state.
These centers serve as the first point of contact for families, providing guidance, resources, and connections to specialized services.
All of this is offered free of charge or at very low cost.
- They are funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
- They function as the gateway into the support system.
- They provide information, referrals, support groups, and parent training.
The message is clear:
“The earlier the intervention… the easier the child’s development will be.”
And above all:
“For improvement to happen, the first step is accepting that a condition exists.”
Visit the Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center virtual table or contact them at 978-648-8515, located at 439 South Union.
Official Support Network for Families with Children with Autism
1. Autism Alliance of MetroWest (Advocates)
1881 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: (508) 652-9900
Serves the MetroWest and Greater Boston regions.
https://autismalliance.org
2. Vinfen Autism Support Center
1208A VFW Parkway, Suite 202, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Phone: (617) 206-5902
Supports families in the Boston area.
https://www.vinfen.org/services/asc
3. Lifeworks Autism Support Center
789 Clapboardtree St, Westwood, MA 02090
Phone: (781) 762-4001
Provides family support, workshops, and advocacy services.
https://www.lifeworksarc.org/service/autism-support-center/
4. Autism Resource Center (HMEA – Central MA)
712 Plantation St, Worcester, MA 01605
Phone: (508) 835-4278
A key center serving Central Massachusetts.
http://www.autismresourcecentral.org
5. Autism Connections (Pathlight – Western MA)
Main offices:
- 220 Brookdale Dr, Springfield, MA
- 11 Village Hill Rd, Northampton, MA
- 75 South Church St, Pittsfield, MA
- 101 Munson St, Greenfield, MA
Phone: (413) 585-8010
Covers all of Western Massachusetts.
https://www.autismconnectionsma.org
6. Northeast Arc Autism Support Center
6 Southside Rd, Danvers, MA 01923
Phone: (978) 777-9135
Serves Northeastern Massachusetts.
https://www.ne-arc.org/services/autism-and-specialty-aba-services/autism-support-center
7. Community Autism Resources (Southeast MA)
33 James Reynolds Rd, Swansea, MA 02777
Phone: (508) 379-0371
Serves Southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and nearby areas.
https://community-autism-resources.com
Watch the Full Interview
