Red flags and warning signs of Autism in early childhood

Autism is a lifelong and complex condition that affects a child’s brain growth, development and functioning.

Information is processed in a different way and thus their learning patterns, social interaction, communication and reactions to people and their environments can be quite varied.

Autism occurs in approximately one in 68 individuals (Centre for Disease Control, USA, 2014).

The disability is found to occur four times more often in boys than in girls.

Parents should ask their child’s family doctor for a referral to a developmental paediatrician for assessment if there are any concerns with any of the following:

Communication red flags

• No babbling by 11 months of age
• No simple gestures by 12 months (e.g., waving bye-bye)
• No single words by 16 months
• No two-word phrases by 24 months (noun + verb – e.g., “baby sleeping”)
• No response when name is called, causing concern about hearing
• Loss of any language or social skills at any age

Social Red Flags:

• Rarely makes eye contact when interacting with people
• Does not play peek-a-boo
• Doesn’t point to show things he or she is interested in
• Rarely smiles socially
• More interested in looking at objects than at people’s faces
• Prefers to play alone
• Doesn’t make attempts to get parent’s attention
• Doesn’t follow or look when someone is pointing at something
• Seems to be “in his or her own world”

Behaviour Red Flags

• Odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hands
• Oversensitive to certain textures, sounds or lights
• Lack of interest in toys, or plays with them in an unusual way (e.g., lining up, spinning, opening and closing parts rather than using the toy as a whole)
• Compulsions or rituals (has to perform activities in a special way or certain sequence; is prone to tantrums if rituals are interrupted)
• Preoccupations with unusual interests, such as light switches, doors, fans, wheels etc.

Early and appropriate intervention optimises future outcomes.

About the Author: For more information on Autism please contact Claire Allen- National Education Facilitator at Autism South Africa – [email protected] Or visit our website www.aut2know.co.za

Article Credit: Autism Ontario – Durham Region

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