EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM
Features displayed by the age of 12-20 months ( for a comparison with typical milestones click here)
Failure to use non verbal communication
- Child demonstrates inconsistent, or a decrease of eye contact. ( 3-6 months a typical child starts to follow line of regards).
- Uses little facial expressions.
- Does not point consistently to an object, or use gesture to express wants or needs.
- Tries to obtain desired material by his own means or by using the adult's hands as a tool
- Does not wave good-bye or imitate hand movements in a variety of games.
- Seems engrossed in his own world.
Delayed acquisition and use of spoken language ( for more on language see delayed acquisition and use of language)
- Less than 10 words by the age of 2.
- Inconsistent use of words and ,or, lack of meaningful speech ( persistent and bizarre use of some words, echolalia . For more on echolalia go to related impairments, in Info on Autism )
- Does not associate two words such a “bye daddy”.
Unpredictable response to sounds
- Child does not respond to his name being called, and deafness may be suspected.
- Child might overreact to some specific sounds. ( For more on sensory disorganization click here)
Limited play repertoire
- If left on his own devices child wanders with no purpose.
- Child engages in repetitive and restrictive play:
- play with toys the same way each time,
- or in an unusual manner, i.e. lining up the toys, spinning them.
- Does not interact in reciprocal manner; initiates sometimes play or affection but does not respond when others initiate them.
- Does not engage in imaginative play.
Lack of interest in social interaction and impairment
in joint attention capacity
- Child does not seek interaction with other children.
- Does not participate in social games such as peek-a-boo.
- Child may bring a toy to parent for help but does not hold it up to share interest with the parent.
- Lack of social emotional reciprocity.
Unusual reaction to sensory input,
- Abnormal responses (defensiveness or craving) to sensory input ; in one or in combined sensory systems : hearing, balance, smell, taste touch and reaction to pain.
- Atypical body movements: spinning, hand flapping, looking at objects sideways.
Immature capacity to regulate emotions (for more on emotions click here)
- Severe and unpredictable temper tantrums.
- Low threshold for frustration.
- Difficulty disengaging from one activity.
- Exhibits either abnormally high or low level of activity
Gross motor immaturity ( for more on motor impairment click here)
- Low or hyper muscle tone.
- Very imprecise motor planning.
- Gait may lack flow and appear to be very mechanical.
- Toe walking is frequently seen.
Find more information regarding development milestones and impairments HERE
Find more information about what to do after the diagnosis HERE
- Véronique Buré (more information attached here)
- Telephone (301) 588 5113
- Cell:(202) 375-4443
