Symptoms of Autism

Communication - both verbal (spoken) and non-verbal (unspoken, such as pointing, eye contact, and smiling)

Social - such as sharing emotions, understanding how others think and feel, and holding a conversation.

Routines or repetitive behaviors such as repeating words or actions, obsessively following routines or schedules, and playing in repetitive ways.

The symptoms of autism can usually be observed by 18 months of age.

does not respond to his/her name.

cannot explain what he/she wants.

language skills are slow to develop or speech is delayed.

doesn't follow directions.

at times, the child seems to be deaf.

seems to hear sometimes, but not other times.

doesn't point or wave "bye-bye."

doesn't understand the concept of pointing; will look at the hand pointing rather than the object being pointed at.

used to say a few words or babble, but now he/she doesn't.

throws intense or violent tantrums.

has odd movement patterns.

likes to spin around in a circle.

is overly active, uncooperative, or resistant.

doesn't know how to play with toys.

doesn't smile when smiled at.

has poor eye contact.

gets "stuck" doing the same things over and over and can't move on to other things.

seems to prefer to play alone.

gets things for him/herself only.

is very independent for his/her age.

does things "early" compared to other children.

seems to be in his/her "own world."

seems to tune people out.

is not interested in other children.

dislikes playing pretend.

walks on his/her toes.

shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules

spends a lot of time stacking objects, lining things up or putting things in a certain order.

unconcerned about - or completely oblivious to - dangers around him/her