Common Signs Of Autism
There are a number of things that parents, teachers and others who care for children can look for to determine if a child needs to be evaluated for Autism. The following are common signs that can be used to determine if your child may need further evaluation:
- Does not respond to his/her name
- Has poor eye contact
- Seems to hear sometimes, but not others
- Doesn't follow directions
- Cannot explain what he/she wants
- Language skills or speech are delayed
- Doesn't point or wave bye-bye
- Walks on his/her toes
- Used to say a few words or babble, but now he/she does not
- Spends a lot of time lining things up or putting things in a certain order
- Gets "stuck" on things over and over & cannot move onto other things
- Throws intense or violent tantrums
- Has odd movement patterns
- The child is hyperactive, uncooperative or oppositional
- Does not know how to play with toys
- Does not smile when smiled at
- Seems to prefer to play alone
- Seems to tune people out
- Is not interested in other children
- Shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules
"It is important to remember that there are many possible explanations for most of the symptoms listed above. A child's attachment to a particular toy or difficulty with language skills is not, in itself, a sign of Autism."