The answer to this depends on who you ask. Clearly, according to your child’s PCP, waiting out slow development is the best route. However, if you were to ask a professional in the ABA practice, they’d say the earlier, the better for treatment. Research has shown that addressing issues such as physical delays or language development as early as possible gives the child the best chance of success. Early intervention programs were developed to help parents catch and begin treatment with a child who may not be meeting typical milestones. Children can be diagnosed with Autism and begin ABA therapy as young as 18 months. From an ABA clinical standpoint, it is NOT advised to wait and to seek resources as soon as possible when you notice something may be delayed in your child’s development.