Autism Symptoms - Checklist for Parents

In this day and age when autism affects so many of our children, it is important to keep an eye on your child's behaviors. The earlier the symptoms of autism are recognized, the better the outcome of therapies for your child.

Normally, the symptoms of autism to do not make themselves known until your child is over the age of two. However, sometimes the signs appear when your child is still a baby.

Symptoms which may be seen in infants include:

-Non-reaction to stimulation: Infant may not respond to touch or physical affection
-Over-reaction to stimulation: Being taken from his crib and into an area filled with people may cause him distress.
-Fixation on one object for extreme periods of time
-Lack of a smile at the appropriate age

Toddlers and small children may exhibit the above as well as:

-Lack of response to verbal cues: They may appear to not even hear you.
-Language and communication difficulties: A child with this disorder may suddenly quit speaking, be extremely late with speech, or they may be able to speak but lack the ability to communicate effectively.
-Hyperfocusing on one activity: Your child may sit in one spot for a long length of time watching the clothes go around in the dryer, spinning the wheels on their upturned toy car or bike...
-Unusual attention to repetition in action and design: It is not unusual for a child with autism to line up all their blocks or toys and act in an extremely emotional manner if it gets changed in any way. Also, they may hit themselves repeatedly or push one button over and over...
-Lack of empathy: Your child may not respond to other's emotions
-Lack of social ability: Does not make eye contact; will not "share"; makes inappropriate noises and gestures - One of the most widely known symptoms is "flapping" the hands.
-Lack of response to dangerous situations: He or she may see the car that is headed for them but lack self-preservation instincts...

If your child exhibits these behaviors, it is integral that you get them to a doctor immediately.

The symptoms are much the same in an adult with autism though usually by the time they are an adult they have learned some amount of social interaction. They'll have better- though not the best understanding of other people's emotions and reactions. Many adults with autism are able to function on their own. If they cannot, it is usually due to the lack of intervention when they were children.

Autism Symptoms
Discover autism symptoms early and find out what you must do