Signs Your Child Might Have Autism

Common Signs of Autism

There are a number of things that parents, teachers and others who care for children can look for to determine if a child needs to be evaluated for Autism. The following are common signs that can be used to determine if your child may need further evaluation:
  • Does not respond to his/her name
  • Has poor eye contact
  • Seems to hear sometimes, but not others
  • Doesn’t follow directions
  • Cannot explain what he/she wants
  • Language skills or speech are delayed
  • Doesn’t point or wave bye-bye
  • Walks on his/her toes
  • Used to say a few words or babble, but now he/she does not
  • Spends a lot of time lining things up or putting things in a certain order
  • Gets “stuck” on things over and over & cannot move onto other things
  • Throws intense or violent tantrums
  • Has odd movement patterns
  • The child is hyperactive, uncooperative or oppositional
  • Does not know how to play with toys
  • Does not smile when smiled at
  • Seems to prefer to play alone
  • Seems to tune people out
  • Is not interested in other children
  • Shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules

“It is important to remember that there are many possible explanations for most of the symptoms listed above. A child’s attachment to a particular toy or difficulty with language skills is not, in itself, a sign of Autism.”