SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development:


The behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often appear early in development. Many children show symptoms of autism by 12 months to 18 months of age or earlier. Some early signs of autism include:


  • Problems with eye contact

  • No response to his or her name

  • Problems following another person's gaze or pointed finger to an object (or "joint attention")

  • Poor skills in pretend play and imitation

  • Problems with nonverbal communication

Many parents are not aware of these "early" signs of autism and don't start thinking about autism until their children do not start talking at a typical age.

Most children with autism are not diagnosed until after age 3, even though health care providers can often see developmental problems before that age.

Research shows that early detection and early intervention greatly improve outcomes, so it's important to look for these symptoms when a child is as young as possible.

-National Institute of Child Health and Human Development