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FACTS
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Families & Autistic Children Together Succeed
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AUTISM
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THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF AUTISM
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Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears within the first three years of life. The number of children diagnosed with this neurological disorder is increasing, while the search for causes continues. It is now estimated that as many as 1 in every 166 individuals are affected with this disability.
Autism is characterized by delayed or inappropriate use of language, reduced responsiveness to social cues, extreme reactions to sensory input, and repetitive body movements. Many individuals with autism have difficulty adapting to change, and often exhibit challenging behaviors. Each person with this disorder is unique and will demonstrate only certain autistic characteristics in varying degrees.
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While it may be difficult for parents to discover that their child has a diagnosis of autism, it is paramount that parents become aware of early warning signs so intervention can be initiated. This page contains checklists and an important link for those who suspect delays in their child's development.
Autism Research Institute
Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC)
Internet Scoring Program
Click here
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Parental Concerns that are RED FLAGS for Autism
COMMUNICATION:
Does not respond to his/her name
Cannot tell me what (s)he wants
Language is delayed
Doesn't follow directions
Appears deaf at times
Seems to hear sometimes but not others
Doesn't point or wave bye-bye
Used to say a few words, but now he doesn't
SOCIALIZATION:
Doesn't smile socially
Seems to prefer to play alone
Gets things for himself
Is very independent
Does things "early"
Has poor eye contact
Is in his own world
Tunes us out
Is not interested in other children
BEHAVIORS:
Tantrums
Is hyperactive/uncooperative or oppositional
Doesn't know how to play with toys
Gets stuck on things over and over
Toe walks
Has unusual attachments to toys (holds certain object)
Lines things up
Is oversensitive to certain textures or sounds
Has odd movement patterns
ABOSLUTE INDICATIONS FOR IMMEDIATE FURTHER EVALUATION:
No babbling by 12 months
No gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye, etc) by 12 months
No single words by 16 months
No 2-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months
ANY Loss of ANY Language or Social Skills at ANY Age
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PEDIATRICIAN CHECKLIST
"Does (s)he..." or "Is there..."
COMMUNICATION:
...point with his finger?
...gesture? nod yes and no?
...get your attention by holding objects for you to see?
...anything odd about his/her speech?
...show things to people?
...lead an adult by the hand?
...give inconsistent responses to name? ...to commands?
...use rote, repetitive, or echolalic speech?
...memorize strings of words or scripts?
SOCIALIZATION:
...cuddle like other children?
...look at you when you are talking or playing?
...smile in response to a smile from others?
...engage in reciprocal, back-and-forth play?
...play simple imitation games, such as pat-a-cake
...show interest in other children?
BEHAVIOR:
...have repetitive, stereotyped, or odd motor behavior?
...have preoccupations or a narrow range of interests?
...attend more to parts of objects (e.g., wheels)?
...have limited or absent pretend play?
...imitate other people's actions?
...play with toys in the same exact way each time?
...strongly attached to a specific unusual object(s)?
From Filipek PA et al, The screening and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders,
J Autism Developmental Disorders 1999;29(6):439-484.
Copyright 1999 Plenum Publishing Corporation
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