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Autism: Early warning signs
It is important to know the warning signs of autism in young children since early invention is critical. Here is what to look out for.
Photo: sdominick/iStockphoto
Parents should ask their child’s family doctor for referral to a developmental pediatrician for assessment if there are concerns with any of the following:
Communication red flags
• No babbling by 11 months of age
• No simple gestures by 12 months (e.g., waving bye-bye)
• No single words by 16 months
• No two-word phrases by 24 months (noun + verb — e.g., “baby sleeping”)
• No response when name is called, causing concern about hearing
• Loss of any language or social skills at any age
Behavioural red flags
• 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 (e.g., lining up, spinning, opening/closing parts rather than using the toy as a whole)
• Compulsions or rituals (has to perform activities in a special way or certain sequence; is prone to tantrums if rituals are interrupted)
• Preoccupations with unusual interests, such as light switches, doors, fans or wheels
• Unusual fears
Social red flags
• Rarely makes eye contact when interacting with people
• Does not play peek-a-boo
• Doesn’t point to show things he/she 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/look when someone is pointing at something
• Seems to be “in his/her own world”
• Doesn’t respond to parent’s attempts to play, even if relaxed
• Avoids or ignores other children when they approach
Autism is treatable and early intervention is critical. Know the warning signs of autism in young children. Act early.
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Tara (not verified) says ....
While I found some of this article helpful, it frustrates me that the author would make a false statement that "autism is treatable". Please check the facts before printing such inaccurate information, especially since this website has a large readership.
Kat (not verified) says ....
Perhaps when they said "treatable" they meant that there are interventions available to help Autistic children function at higher levels. However, one would think that an organization named "Autism Ontario" would be very careful in saying that it is 'treatable', as people seem to think because something can be treated, it can be cured.
alexmommy01 says ....
If it is treatable where is the treatment.....that one line right is why many people think that there is nothing wrong with our children and that they are spoiled and need better discipline when our children have a meltdown down or say something inappropriate..... people need to be better educated about what autism is starting with: THERE IS NO CURE!!!!!!. Other than one line it is an article i wish had before my son was diaganosed
alexmommy01 says ....
If it is treatable where is the treatment.....that one line right is why many people think that there is nothing wrong with our children and that they are spoiled and need better discipline when our children have a meltdown down or say something inappropriate..... people need to be better educated about what autism is starting with: THERE IS NO CURE!!!!!!. Other than one line it is an article i wish had before my son was diaganosed
Jennifer (not verified) says ....
I, too, cringe at the statement, Autism is treatable. Interventions are available, but you cannot cure autism.
Melanie (not verified) says ....
My daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's at the age of 8. Asperger's isn't usually diagnosed until the child is in school as you have to be able to see how they are coping in social situations. I disagree with the last sentence that "Autism is treatable". Autism cannot be cured but I agree 100% early intervention is critical to be able to get help for your child to be the best they can.
Chantel Kowdrysh (not verified) says ....
This is a great article! As a mom to 8 children - two who have autism I agree 100% about the importance of early intervention! My now 12 year old son wasn't diagnosed until he was almost 9 years old despite my continual efforts to make the Dr's / Psychologists, psychiatrists see that there was an issue. My 7 year old son however, was diagnosed at 4 and there are several differences between the two! Early intervention and treatments helped my 7 year old be able to function at a much higher level than we possibly thought.
Thanks again