Help and Information

Overview

One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching.

Why it matters: Not all children with autism show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is crucial.

What are the signs of autism?

The autism diagnosis age and intensity of autism’s early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. In others, behaviors become obvious as late as age 2 or 3.

If your child exhibits any of the following, ask your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation right away:

By 6 months ⌄

Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
Limited or no eye contact

By 9 months ⌄

Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions

By 12 months ⌄

Little or no babbling
Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
Little or no response to name

By 16 months ⌄

Very few or no words

By 24 months ⌄

Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)

At any age ⌄

Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
Avoidance of eye contact
Persistent preference for solitude
Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
Delayed language development
Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
Restricted interests
Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors

HELP AND INFORMATION

Overview

What are the signs of autism?

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