What Are The Signs of Autism?

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 The age and severity of early signs of autism diagnosis vary widely. In their first months, several infants give clues. Behaviors are evident in others as late as age 2 or 3.  Not all autistic children exhibit all of the signs. Even kids who don't have a couple of display autism. It is for this reason that professional appraisal is crucial.    

• Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful, and engaging expressions
• Limited or no eye contact

• Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions

• Little or no babbling
• Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving
• Little or no response to the name

• Very few or no words

• Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)

• Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling, or social skills
• Avoidance of eye contact
• Persistent preference for solitude
• Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
• Delayed language development
• Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
• Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
• Restricted interests
• Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
• Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights, and/or colors