Home

Early Signs of Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorders have become much more common over the last two decades, and emphasis is being placed upon early identification. Because children vary greatly in how they develop, especially between birth and 5 years of age, care must be taken not to mistakenly identify a child as having an autism spectrum disorder. On the other hand, in order to provide services as early as possible, it is also important not to miss early signs of a problem.

New York State Department of Health Clinical Clues

The NYS Department of Health Early Intervention Program has provided a series of “Clinical Clues” to assist in deciding whether to seek professional assistance. These clues are:

  • Delay or absence of spoken language
  • Looks through people; not aware of others
  • Not responsive to other people's facial expressions/feelings
  • Lack of pretend play; little or no imigination
  • Does not show typical interest in, or play near peers purposefully
  • Lack of turn taking
  • Unable to share pleasure
  • Qualitative impairment in nonverbal communication
  • Not pointing at an object to direct another person to look at it
  • Lack of gaze monitoring
  • Lack of initiation of activity or social play
  • Unusual or repetitive hand and finger mannerisms
  • Unusual reactions, or lack of reaction to sensory stimlui

There are not a certain number or pattern of clues that indicate a specific diagnosis, but rather these serve to inform as to possible problems and in turn seek professional advice and perhaps evaluation.

The National Institute of Mental Health Possible Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders

The National Institute of Mental Health has also published a list of possible indicators for autism spectrum disorders. They are:

  • Does not babble, point, or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age
  • Does not speak one word by 16 months
  • Does not combine two words by 2 years
  • Does not respond to name
  • Loses language or social skills
  • Poor eye contact
  • Doesn't seem to know how to play with toys
  • Excessively lines up toys or other objects
  • Is attached to one particular toy or object
  • Doesn't smile
  • At times seems to be hearing impaired

What is the Common Thread?

These various clues and signs most strongly focus on problems with social communication and interaction. This is a ‘core’ deficit in autism spectrum disorders. However, such signs must be placed in the perspective of typical child development milestones. The American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org/) has great information about typical developmental milestones.

What to do if you see these signs

It is always a good course of action to see your pediatrician or family doctor. If there seems to be a problem, and your child is younger than 3 years, the Early Intervention Program of the county health department is the agency that will be involved. If your child is between 3 and 5, the Committee on Preschool Special Education at your local school district will be involved, and for older children, it is the district Committee on Special Education. They can help you decide if further specialized evaluations and services are needed.