Autism is a developmental disability that starts when a child is very young. People with autism have a disability that impacts their ability to communicate with others. It results in repetitive behaviors and interests as well.
- Common signs of autism in young children include:
- Delays in communication milestones, including a child who is not yet speaking or using a few words
Delays in gestures and pointing, such as a child not waving “bye bye” or pointing by a year of age
Delays in sharing information with others, including difficulties with eye contact and turn taking
Unusual or repetitive behavior, such as unusual finger movements, flapping hands, or spinning
Thrive on a routine and insist that the routine be the same
Unusual sensory interests or dislikes
Excessive interest in certain toys, objects, or topics
- Early Signs – Autism Society of Iowa
- If you are concerned your child might be behind on their growth and milestones, you can track their developmental progress using the Center for Disease Control’s Milestone Trackers. This provides month-by-month tracking to check if your child is developing on time or is behind schedule.
What to do if a family is concerned that their child might have autism:
If you are concerned that your child might have autism or another developmental disability, make an appointment with your child’s doctor to talk about your concerns. Use the CDC’s Milestone Tracker to track your child’s milestones and development and share this with your child’s doctor.
Families can complete a free Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (MCHAT-R) if their child is 16-30 months of age. Take this information to your child’s pediatrician to learn more about a referral for autism testing.