How is Autism Recognized

HOW IS AUTISM RECOGNIZED?

Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when it is masked by more debilitating handicaps. Doctors rely on a core group of behaviors to alert them to the possibility of a diagnosis of autism.

1. Communication Concerns

•  Does not respond to his name
•  Cannot tell what he wants
•  Language is delayed
•  Does not follow directions
•  Appears deaf at times
•  Seems to hear sometimes but not some other time
•  Does not point or wave bye-bye
•  Used to say a few words, but doesn’t afterward

2. Social Concerns

• Does not seem to smile socially
• Seems to prefer to play alone
• Gets things for himself
• Is very independent
• Does things early
• Has poor eye contact
• Is in his own world
• Tunes people out
• Is not interested in other children

3. Behavioral Concerns

• Tantrums is hyperactive/ uncooperative or oppositional
• Does not know how to play with toys
• Gets stuck on things over and over
• Toe walks
• Has unusual attachments to toys
• Lines things up
• Is oversensitive to certain textures or sounds
• Has odd movements

4. Absolute Indications for immediate further evaluation

• No babbling by 12 months
• No gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye, etc) by 12 months
• No single word by 16 months
• No 2-word spontaneous (not echolalic) phrases by 2 years

5. ANY Loss of ANY Language or Social Skills at ANY Age