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CHILD GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING* 2 HOURS * LEVEL 2

Understanding Autism​

Early Signs and Red Flags

Page 11
Signs of ASD typically appear during early childhood and will last throughout the person’s life.  The earliest signs of autism usually involve the absence of typical behaviors, so they can sometimes be difficult to spot. 
Please be aware that just because a child has one or even several of the following signs, it does not necessarily mean that they have autism.  
Early signs of ASD for infants and toddlers
If the child doesn't:
  • Make eye contact, such as looking at you when being fed or smiling when being smiled at
  • Respond to his or her name, or to the sound of a familiar voice
  • Follow objects visually or follow your gesture when you point things out
  • Point or wave goodbye, or use other gestures to communicate
  • Make noises to get your attention
  • Initiate or respond to cuddling or reach out to be picked up
  • Imitate your movements and facial expressions
  • Play with other people or share interest and enjoyment
  • Notice or care if you hurt yourself or experience discomfort
Other Signs (for older children): 
  • Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
  • Have delayed speech and language skills
  • Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
  • Give unrelated answers to questions
  • Get upset by minor changes
  • Have obsessive interests
  • Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
  • Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
  • Intentionally — and repeatedly — inflicts harm on himself (such as banging his head on the door)
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity (acting without thinking)
  • Short attention span
  • Unusual eating and sleeping habits