Identifying Autism

Here are some early signs to look for in children:

• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects, gazing for prolonged periods, odd hand movements)
• Little or no eye contact
• Little to no attempts at getting, maintaining, and directing other's attention
• Reversal of pronouns (using "you" for "I")
• Lack of interest in peer relationships or understanding of how to make and maintain friendships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Little use of gestures (e.g., waving good-bye, nodding, beckoning someone with hand) or little to no coordination of eye contact with the use of these gestures (ex. saying good-bye without waving)
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects (ex. spinning wheels on cars)
• Lack of varied facial expressions (e.g., using only 2 main expressions)
• Difficulty initiating and maintaining a conversation

All of these signs will be present in some children, but others may have only some symptoms and still meet criteria for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Any child can be assessed to determine whether they are speech delayed or have symptoms that would benefit from early treatment.