Signs of Autism in Children

No parent wants to think that there could be something wrong with their child. However, the fact is that 1 in 110 children in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism can strike early on or even later, after your child has been developing just fine. Getting early help is imperative and makes all the difference in your child's prognosis. If your baby or child exhibits any of the following signs, see his or her doctor.

Social Signs

One thing autism causes a deficiency in is social skills. An autistic child may fail to respond to his or her name, have poor eye contact, and prefer playing alone. A child who has not smiled or shown other signs of affection by the age of 6 months needs to get checked out. An autistic child may resist cuddling or holding. She may also seem to be unaware of or seem to not care about other's feelings, and often will not make eye contact when communicating. A child should be pointing at things by the age of 12 months. She may not follow directions or may seem to not hear you at times. Autistic children also do not show much interest in other children.

Speech Signs

The first speech-related red flag for autism comes around 9 months. If your child doesn't try to communicate with you by copying sounds you make, that is a cause for concern. By 12 months, a baby should be babbling, a skill many autistic babies lack. Another sign is if your child does not have any single words by the age of 16 months, and no two word phrases by 24 months. Once an autistic child does speak, he may speak in a monotone or singsong voice, or an otherwise abnormal tone or rhythm. He also may not be able to engage in a conversation, and may repeat words easily but never use them in the right context.

Behavioral Signs

Many autistic children exhibit repetitive or odd movement patterns. These can include spinning, rocking, or hand flapping. They also develop "rituals" and like to follow routines. If there is any slight change in these routines, an autistic child will be angry or agitated or may have a tantrum. Autistic children are often fascinated by the details on objects rather than the object as a whole, and may line up toys. They also may walk on their toes. An autistic child may also express an unusual sensitivity to light, sound, or touch.

If, at any age, your child regresses in or loses any of his or her speech or social skills, you should see his or her doctor.

References

Mayo Clinic: Autism Symptoms

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Web: Symptoms of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder