Signs of Autism

Identifying the early warning signs of autism and developmental milestones can help you determine if you child needs further evaluation.

The two major symptoms of autism include:

Challenges with social communication and interaction skills
Restricted and repetitive behaviors

Early Warning Signs of Autism

age	warning signs
Newborn	Not following moving objects with their eyes Sensitivity to loud noises Limited facial expression Poor facial recognition (especially new faces)
4-7 months	Showing disinterest in certain sounds (such as not turning to locate where sounds are coming from) Perceived lack of affection Limited babbling Limited verbal expression (like not laughing or making squealing sounds) Not reaching for objects Not grasping or holding onto objects Demonstrating limited facial expressions and emotional reactivity (such as not smiling on their own)
8-12 months	May not crawl May avoid eye contact Limited or incomprehensible speech May refrain from using gestures such as waving or shaking their head May not point to objects or pictures May appear unbalanced or unable to stand even when supported
16-24 months	Very few or no words Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)
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 color

Developmental Milestones

A developmental delay is identified through assessments of simple skills. Milestones can be broken down by behavioral categories based on your child's age.

Milestone	Typical Age Of Presentation	Concern If Absent At:
Searing for lost object in several places other than place object was last seen	18 months	24 months
Playing with toys in functional way	18 months	24 months
Re-enacting familiar activities	18 months	30 months
Being able to imitate actions later	18 months	30 months
Using one object to stand for another object in play	18 months	30 months
Using imaginary objects in real play	36 months	48 months

Social Emotional Development

Here are some key goals to consider at different early ages.

3 months:
- Can be calm/recover from crying with comforting
- Able to be alert/looks at speaker when talked to
5 months:
- Displays a positive affect toward primary caregiver
- Displays a full range of emotions
9 months:
- Makes purposeful two-way interactions

social emotional Milestone	Typical Age Of Presentation	Concern If Absent At:
Shared attention: Do you see what I see?	18 months	30 months
Showing strong sense of self: No, mine.	18 months	30 months
Playing side by side with single peer	24 months	36 months
Separating from parent without crying	36 months	48 months
Labeling feelings in self	36 months	48 months
Taking turns and sharing	36 months	48 months
Playing group games with simple rules	48 months	60 months

Language Development

The first five years of life are critical. This is when significant language development occurs.

1 year:
- Understands simple requests
- Very little verbal expressive ability (2-4 words)
5 years:
- Defines familiar words
- Argues
- Tells stories
- Comments on future events
- Lies

language Milestone	Typical Age Of Presentation	Concern If Absent At:
Combining two ideas	18 months	24 months
Naming one picture in a book	18 months	27 months
Following two-step commands	18 months	27 months
Making three- to four-word sentences	24 months	36 months
Using pronouns appropriately	24 months	30 months
Name use of common objects	30 months	36 months
Identify two colors	36 months	42 months
Understandable to a stranger	36 months	48 months

Signs of Autism

Early Warning Signs of Autism

Developmental Milestones

Social Emotional Development

Language Development

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