How do I recognize the first signs of autism?

Your child:

• Does not speak or has difficulty with speech.
• Does not engage in relationships or interactions with others.
• Demonstrates stereotypical behaviors and play (e.g., waving hands, using unusual objects for play, arranging toys in long rows).
• Does not make eye contact.
• He does not imitate the behavior of others or parents
• Does not follow simple commands (e.g., sit down, give a toy or object).
• Has difficulty concentrating.

Signs of autism related to speech and communication disorders

• Symptoms of autism relate largely to the area of communication. The child may have problems establishing contacts and normal conversations with others.
• The first signal that a parent should pay attention to is the absence of babbling. In addition to a lack of speech, it may also include poor facial expressions and infrequent displays of emotion.

Difficulty in establishing contact with the child.

Parents of children who are later diagnosed with autism often recall that there were situations as early as infancy where the child’s eyes would wander and appear absent.

Symptoms of autism spectrum conditions can be noticeable when parents and peers try to engage the child in play or other cooperative activities. It may be the child’s lack of response to a given toy or object.

Pay special attention to the child’s reaction when you try to communicate with them by smiling or calling their name. A consistent lack of response to these communications can be considered alarming.