Signs of Autism: A Summary
Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child. In some cases, the baby seemed "different" from birth, unresponsive to people or focusing intently on one item for long periods of time.
The first signs of
autism can also appear in children who seem to have been developing normally. When an engaging, babbling toddler suddenly becomes silent, withdrawn, self-abusive, or indifferent to social overtures, something is wrong. Research has shown that parents are usually correct about noticing developmental problems, although they may not realize the specific nature or degree of the problem.
There are three distinctive signs of autism. These signs of autism include:
- Repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests
- Difficulties with social interaction
- Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication.
Each of these signs of autism runs the gamut from mild to severe. They will present in each individual child differently. For instance, a child may have little trouble learning to read but exhibit extremely poor social interaction. Each child will display communication, social, and behavioral patterns that are individual but fit into the overall diagnosis of
autism spectrum disorder.
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