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Possible AUTISM Indicators
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If you suspect that your child displays characteristics of an autism spectrum disorder, please contact DePelchin Autism Services at 713-730-2335 or autism@depelchin.org.
Although the features of ASD vary for each child, there are some general indicators that all parents should know. A common warning sign that parents often report is that they believe their child is deaf. Due to their child no longer responding to his name and lack of eye contact when they speak, parents tend to think they are dealing with a hearing issue. However, the lack of response or eye contact may point to an autism spectrum disorder. |
Possible Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders:
By 6 months:
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- Does not make eye contact
- Does not make warm, joyful expressions such as smiles
- Does not babble or coo
- Does not react when you play peek-a-boo or seem to enjoy face-to-face play
- Does not repeat sounds you make
- Does not like to be hugged or cuddled
| By 14 months:
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- Does not respond to his/her own name
- Does not say single words or sentences
- Does not make meaningful gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waiving
- Seams unnaturally attached to one toy or objects
- Seems unaware of others
- Displays sensitivity to sound, smell, light or touch
- Rocks, spins, or flaps
- Enjoys routines and strongly resists change
| By 2 years:
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- Does not express two-word meaningful phrases
- Does not follow simple instructions
- Does not recognize names of familiar people and objects
- Seems obsessed with a few activities or interests
- Does not speak or socialize anymore
- Seems clumsy or unaware of environment
| By 3 to 5 years:
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- Still is not speaking
- Speaks in flat, emotionless tone, or has a high-pitched or sing song voice
- Repeats the same word over and over or echoes what he/she hears
- Has violent or uncontrollable tantrums
- Displays self-injurious behavior (i.e., head banging, hair pulling, arm biting)
- Appears to be afraid of harmless objects
- Does not display any noticeable fear of danger or pain
- Plays alone for the majority of the time, ignoring other children
- Tends to focus on one activity with little interest in anything else
- Does not seem to know how to play with toys
- Has unusual moods or emotional reactions (such as laughing or crying at unusual times or showing no emotional response when you would typically expect one)
- Exhibits unusual eating habits (is a picky eater and rejects new foods)
- Has unusual sleep habits or patterns (e.g., has difficulty falling asleep or does not sleep though the night)
- Displays repetitive movements of objects as well as repetitive motor movements
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The lists above should not be used to make a diagnosis. However, these indicators may mean your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder.
If your child displays any of these characteristics, please contact DePelchin Autism Services at 713-730-2335 or autism@depelchin.org. The sooner you find out the better, so that you can begin early intervention as soon as possible.
To learn more about developmental milestones, visit the CDC website. |
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