Signs of autism in young children include: (1) problems with social interaction (e.g., the child prefers to play alone rather than with peers, has difficulty establishing friendships, makes limited eye contact, and is at times in his or her own world), (2) obsessive preoccupations, unusual attachment to objects, repetitive play (e.g., lining up objects), distress with change, and repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping and toe walking), (3) sensory problems, including hypersensitivity to loud noise, unusual fascination with spinning movements, limited food preferences, and high tolerance for pain, (4) language problems, atypical speech patterns (e.g., loss of speech after 1 year of age, repetitive noises, or repeating lines from movies), and excellent memory or visual-mechanical skills (e.g., operating a computer and assembling puzzles), (5) mood disturbance (e.g., overreactivity, temper tantrums, and unusual fears), and (6) selective attention and problems with safety awareness. If you are concerned that your family member has some of these symptoms and might have autism, you can contact our Resource Center at 1-877-231-4244 for assistance in finding resources in your area.
“Learn the Signs. Act Early.” – Visit the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” website for information about childhood developmental milestones and delays. You’ll be able to track the developmental milestones your child should be reaching and download fact sheets on developmental milestones for children from 3 months to 5 years.
What to Look For
Where to Get Help
- Information coming soon
Additional Resources
- Autism Awareness Video
- Dietary Supplements and Treatment for Autism
- Gluten- And Casein-Free Diet and Suppression of Autism Symptoms
- Relaxation Training for Managing Stress
- Why Individuals with Autism Don’t Respond Well to Traditional or Psychoanalytic Talk Therapies
- What if My Child’s Primary Care Physician is Uncomfortable with Prescribing and Following Psychotropic Drugs?
- Should My Child be Evaluated for Medication if He/She Shows Signs of Anxiety and Depression
- How Do I Decide Whether Medication or Another Form of Intervention is Right in Managing My Child’s Autism