Signs and Symptoms of ASD

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention characterize the signs and symptoms of autism with a list of common behaviors that may present themselves. They are not a definitive list, but can be used as red flags to begin a conversation with your family doctor. They include:

>> Not responding to their name by 12 months old
>> Not pointing at objects to show interest by 14 months
>> Not playing “pretend” games by 18 months, like feeding a doll
>> Avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone
>> Having trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
>> Displaying delayed speech and language skills
>> Repeating words or phrases over and over
>> Giving unrelated answers to questions
>> Getting upset by minor changes
>> Having obsessive interests
>> Flapping their hands, rocking their body, or spinning in circles in response to stimuli
>> Having unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel