Signs of autism spectrum disorder in early childhood
If your child has a few of these signs, an autism assessment may be helpful.
- Does not point to things he or she is interested in.
- Reduced use of eye contact with people outside the family.
- Rarely smiles when looking at others or does not exchange back-and-forth warm joyful expressions.
- Does not spontaneously use gestures such as waving, or pointing.
- More interested in looking at object than at faces.
- Content to spend extended periods of time alone.
- Does not make attempts to get parents attention.
- Does not follow or look when someone is pointing at an object.
- Responds to name inconsistently.
- Seems to be in his or her “own world”.
- Does not respond to parents.
- Avoids or ignores other children when they approach or interact attempts to play.
- Loss of a previously acquired language or a social skill
- Displays a strong reaction to various textures sounds or lights.
- Lacks interest in toys or plays with them in an unusual way e.g. lining up, spinning, smelling, opening and closing small doors.
- May engage in prolonged visual inspection of objects.
- Insists on routines.
- Has a preoccupation with unusual interests.