Symptoms and signs of Autism reveal themselves in important developmental areas. Autistic children might have social interaction problems, as well as language and behavioral problems. These children may also have learning disabilities, or difficulty in paying attention or reacting to things. Behaviors may also be repetitious. Autism signs are usually seen in childhood and infancy.

Common signs of Autism: Social skills-little or no response when calling his or her name, avoid eye contact, appears not to hear you at times, resists cuddling and holding- might only cuddle when they want to, appears unaware of others’ feelings, wants to be alone- be in their “own world”, having trouble expressing their own feelings.

Language signs of Autism are: Delayed development in talking, losing learned ability to speak a sentence or sentence fragment, avoids eye contact when requesting something, talks in a strange tone or rhythm, is not able to start a conversation or keep one going, could repeat a sentence verbatim, but not be able to facilitate it, may have a hard time expressing what they need.

Behavior: repeat actions over and over again, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping, develops specific routines or rituals, becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals, moves constantly. They also may be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, may be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain, not pointing at objects of interest (point at an airplane flying over).

If your child loses a skill at any age, call your doctor right away. Ask to be referred to a developmental pediatrician. Being proactive as quickly as possible will be the key to making a difference.

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