SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF AUTISM

Signs of autism vary from person to person depending on the individual. The following is a list of symptoms associated with ASD:

Some possible signs of autism can begin very early in development. Infants with ASD may exhibit developmental delays including:

• No babbling or pointing by age one.
• No single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age two.
• Loss of language or social skills.

Other early indicators of ASD include:

• Avoidance of eye contact with others.
• No smiling or social responsiveness.
• Intent and obsessive focus on one item for long periods of time.
• Failure to respond to their name.

Some children with autism exhibit autism signs later in their lives. Later indicators of ASD include:

• Impaired social interaction.
• Inability to pick up on social cues (non verbal communication) like facial expressions or tone of voice.
• Lack of empathy.
• Preoccupation with certain objects or subjects.
• Repetitive and stereotyped movements (RSM) and behavior (twirling, rocking).
• Self-injurious behavior (head-banging, biting).
• Impaired ability to make friends with peers.
• Absence or impairment of imaginative and social play.
• Unusual use of language.