Because no two people with autism will exhibit the same symptoms, sometimes autism can be hard for parents to pin down.
Fortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Autism Information Center provides a comprehensive checklist of what symptoms children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may exhibit.
Social Skills One of the main impairments of people with ASDs is social impairment.
This goes beyond just "shyness" and is often combined with other problems, like trouble with communication skills.
People with ASDs may not be interested in other people at all, or have trouble interacting with peers or imitating others.
Playing social games like peek-a-boo, for instance, may hold no interest for a child with ASD.
Although it is hard for all children to learn to take turns and to share, children with ASDs have a particularly difficult time with this concept.
Communication Some children with ASDs my have only slight language delays, but about 40% of children with ASDs do not speak at all.
Others may have some words and then lose them, or not speak until later in childhood.
Some people with ASDs may repeat the same words over and over, and have a hard time understanding body language or tone of voice.
They may not be able to participate in a give-and-take conversation, instead talking a great deal about things that interest them.
Repeated Behaviors and Routines Repetitive motions (rocking side to side, flapping the arms, or repeatedly turning a light off and on) can be symptoms of ASDs.
Some people with ASDs develop unusual routines, like having to look in every window of a building, and being unable to do these things will elicit frustration.
A change in routine can be very upsetting to children with ASDs.
Associated Features A range of other behaviors and disorders can be associated with ASDs, such as hyperactivity, aggressiveness, and self-injury.
Abnormal eating and sleeping habits, or laughing or crying at unusual times (or showing no emotion when you'd expect a reaction) are other symptoms of ASDs.
People with ASDs may fear harmless objects, but not be afraid of truly dangerous things.
Pattern of Development While patterns of development vary somewhat from child to child, children with ASDs develop at different rates; some have delays in language, others with social development.
Some may be very good at solving problems, but have trouble making friends.
Red Flags Some "red flags" for ASDs include not playing "pretend" games; not pointing at objects; having trouble relating to others and avoiding eye contact; appearing unaware when spoken to; repeating or echoing phrases or words; repeating actions over and over; having trouble accepting change in routine; and losing skills once obtained (for instance, ceasing to say words already learned).
Seek a Diagnosis and Treatment if You Suspect Autism If you are concerned that your child exhibits signs of an ASD, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to address your concerns.
He or she may refer you to a specialist who can make additional assessments.
Autism is treatable, but, as with any disorder, the sooner you can get a diagnosis and treatment, the better.