AUTISM SYMPTOMS
Recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking early intervention services and treatment improves the outcomes of learning, social skills, and communication in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Children with autism generally have problems in three crucial areas of development — social interaction, language and behavior.
Though each child with autism is likely to have a unique pattern of behavior, some common autism symptoms include:
Social Skills
Fails to respond to his or her name
Has poor eye contact
Appears not to hear you at times
Resists cuddling and holding
Appears unaware of others’ feelings
Seems to prefer playing alone — retreats into his or her own world
Doesn’t ask for help or request things
Language
Doesn’t speak or has delayed speech
Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
Doesn’t make eye contact when making requests
Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
Can’t start a conversation or keep one going
May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn’t understand how to use them
Doesn’t appear to understand simple questions or direction
Behavior
Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
Develops specific routines or rituals and becomes disturbed at the slightest change
Moves constantly
May be fascinated by details of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, but doesn’t understand the “big picture” of the subject
May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch, and yet oblivious to pain
Does not engage in imitative or make-believe play
May have odd food preferences, such as eating only a few foods, or craving items that are not food, such as chalk or dirt
May perform activities that could cause self-harm, such as head banging
If you would like to speak with one of our therapists about a treatment plan for your child with autism, please contact us for a free consultation.
References: Mayo Clinic