Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Signs of an Autism Spectrum Disorder begin to show up by the time ages 2 or 3, and the earlier a child begins receiving treatment, the better the chances of success. The national Centers for Disease Control and the Mayo Clinic list several signs to watch for in a young child:

• doesn’t respond to his name by 12 months of age;

• has delayed speech and language skills;

• avoids eye contact;

• has trouble understanding others’ feelings or difficulty expressing her own;

• repeats words and phrases over and over;

• is obsessed with specific objects (such as the wheels of a toy truck, or a ceiling fan);

• repeatedly flaps hands, rocks or spins his body;

• becomes very upset with minor changes in routine;

• resists cuddling or holding and seems to want to play alone.

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Autism in the News: Video updates of news and research about autism and austim-sprectrum disorders.