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Parents usually notice the signs of autism in the first two years of life. If you find yourself answering yes to many of these questions, you might have cause for concern:
Communication
- No babbling by 11 months of age.
- No simple gestures by 12 months (like waving bye-bye).
- No single words by 16 months.
- No two-word phrases by 24 months (noun plus verb, like "baby sleeping").
- No response when name is called, causing about hearing.
- Loss of any language or social skills at any age.
Behavioural
- Odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hands.
- Oversensitive to certain textures, sounds or lights.
- Lack of interest in toys, or plays with them in an unusual way (opening and closing toy parts rather than playing with the toy).
- Compulsions or rituals (has to perform activities in a certain sequence; prone to tantrums if rituals are interrupted).
- Preoccupations with unusual interests, such as light switches.
- Unusual fears.
Social
- Rarely makes eye contact when interacting with people.
- Does not play peek-a-boo.
- Doesn't point to show things that he is interested in.
- Rarely smiles socially.
- More interested in looking at objects than at people's faces.
- Prefers to play alone.
- Doesn't make attempts to get parent's attention; doesn't follow or look up when someone is pointing at something.
- Seems to be "in his own world".
- Doesn't respond to parent's attempts to play, even if relaxed.
- Avoids or ignores other children who approach them.
Source: Autism Ontario
