Have you ever wondered if you, you child or a family member has autism?
Every individual with autism is different and there are many signs associated with autism. You can have a few signs or you can have many. After reading this list, if you think you or someone you love has autism, I strongly suggest you get tested. Testing can be done by a Developmental Pediatrician, Neurologist, Psychologist or Psychiatrist. Below are some signs, although not exhaustive.
A person with autism or ASD might:
Not respond to their name
Not point at objects or things of interest, or demonstrate interest
Not play “pretend” games
Avoid eye contact
Want to be alone
Have difficulty understanding, or showing understanding, of other people’s feelings or their own
Have no speech or delayed speech
Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
Give unrelated answers to questions
Get upset by minor changes
Have obsessive interests
Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
Have unusual reactions (over or under-sensitivity) to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
Have low to no social skills
Avoid or resist physical contact
Demonstrate little safety or danger awareness
Reverse pronouns (e.g., says “you” instead of “I”)
Have unusual interests and behaviors
Have extreme anxiety and phobias, as well as unusual phobias
Lineup toys or other objects
Play with toys the same way every time
Like parts of objects (e.g., wheels)
Have obsessive interests
Hyperactivity (very active)
Impulsivity (acting without thinking)
Short attention span
Aggression
Causing self-injury
Meltdowns
Unusual eating and sleeping habits
Unusual mood or emotional reactions
Lack of fear or more fear than expected
Have unusual sleeping habits
(For more information, see the National Autism Association)