Autism Symptoms – Possible Indicators of Autism in Children
The National Institute of Mental Health has published a list of potential autism symptoms that are often viewed as indicators for autism spectrum disorders. They are:
- Does not babble, point, or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age
- Does not speak one word by 16 months
- Does not combine two words by 2 years
- Does not respond to name
- Loses language or social skills
- Some other indicators
- Poor eye contact
- Doesn't seem to know how to play with toys
- Excessively lines up toys or other objects
- Is attached to one particular toy or object
- Doesn't smile
- At times seems to be hearing impaired
Social Autism Symptoms May Show at a Young Age
Typically, infants show signs of being social from a very early age. They look at people, they turn toward noises, they will grasp a finger if you hold it out to them and they will smile at your gestures.
On the other hand, children with autism spectrum disorder do not seem to grasp this give and take of human interaction. This lack of social skills development is a classic autism symptom.
As early as the first few months of life, we may see that toddlers with autism avoid eye contact—they do not seem to want to interact with us. Another potential autism symptom in infants and toddlers is ignoring other people…they seem to prefer being alone.
Perhaps these children with autism resist attention altogether or just passively accept our hugs and kisses. At a later age, they may not seek comfort as we would expect an infant child to do. Their reactions to our displays of either pleasure or anger seem inappropriate and should be viewed as a potential symptom of autism.
What should you do if you suspect symptoms of autism in your child?
Children as early as 18 months of age are now being diagnosed acurately with autism. It was generally believed that until a child reached the age of 3 or so, that it was not possible to diagnose autism. But autism symptoms are being recognized earlier and earlier as therapists and doctors become more atuned to autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
If you suspect your child exhibits some of these autism symptoms, you should start with your pediatrician. Most primary care doctors are a good vehicle to guide you in finding a specialist who can help diagnose the symptoms of autism. Often a neurologist, psychiatrist, or other trained professional will get involved to diagnose your child.
To understand more about autism symptoms, read the article, "How to Know if Your Child Has Autism". And click her for for a thorough review of autism symptoms, treatments and help in raising a happy and indepent child with autism.
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