Warning Signs of Autism
Autism symptoms are usually noticed during the early development stages of a child. If your infant, toddler, or young child is exhibiting these signs frequently, please consult his or her doctor for possible referral to MMPT.
INFANCY
- Stares at moving objects
- Poor sleep cycles
- Fussy, crying baby – other than for meal time,diaper change, sleepy
- Does not hold up arms to be held
- Little to no babbling
- Babbling, but not for communication
- Difficulty to get attention
- When parents smile at the child there is no reciprocal smile
- Showing no reaction to parents presence or fussing when leaving the room
- Does not cry for attention when laying in crib awake
- Rocks in crib or playpen on all fours
- Babbles own language – no “ma-ma-ma” or “ba-ba-ba”
- Minimal interaction with parent or caregiver (such as not smiling)
EARLY CHILDHOOD
- Sudden mood changes
- Unafraid/unaware of dangerous things or situations
- Flapping arms or fingers when excited
- Solemn and serious
- Prefers toys they can play over and over – (such as pull-string toys)
- Only understands parts of what is said to him/her
- Difficulty following directions
- Clumsy
- Keeps unusual toys or things (string, leaf, part of a toy)
- Loves mechanical things (such as light switches, opening/closing doors)
- Unusual interest in television (such as quoting movie lines)
- Forgets old words when learning new words
- Echoes/repeats words previously stated
- Perfectionist
- Lines toys up, sorts or piles toys
- Becomes too upset when routine changes
- Recognizes routines in car and becomes upset when taking a different direction
- Protects ears from loud noises by covering them
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Ruston
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