The National Institute of Mental Health reports that it is often between the ages of 12 and 24 months that children with autism present symptoms that may be noticeable to their caregivers. For some children, symptoms will be mild and barely noticeable. For others, symptoms may be severe and quite alarming. Autism disorders are defined by the symptoms manifested. Because those symptoms may vary widely from child to child, a proper evaluation by a qualified physician is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Impaired Social Skills
According to First Signs, toddlers with autism may demonstrate impaired social skills, such as a lack of showing interest in playtime or a lack of happy or content facial expression. The child may not respond to her name when called or make appropriate eye contact. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that children with autism are often uninterested in toys or may show an obsessive interest in one toy or object. Autistic toddlers may be unwilling to share toys with other children or adults. They may seem uninterested in people altogether and may prefer to play alone. They may resist hugs or be indifferent to cuddling. Children who exhibit any of these symptoms should be taken to a physician for evaluation.
Impaired Communication Skills
According to HealthyChildren.org, children with autism show significant delays in language development. By 16 months, a child should speak his first word. By 2 years of age, a child should be able to accurately combine two or more words and should routinely respond to his name when called. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that some children whose language development was progressing normally may begin to regress between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. Some 2-year-olds will show a lack of nonverbal communication development, such waving or pointing a finger. Children who show any of these behaviors or who fail to meet age-appropriate guidelines for language development should be taken to a physician for evaluation.
Behavioral Signs
First Signs reports that toddlers with autism may show signs of repetitive behaviors, such as repeating the same movement with objects or repetitive movements with their bodies, hands, arms, feet or fingers. The National Institute of Mental Health adds that some children may just freeze in one position. Also, children may become inappropriately upset if someone moves one of their toys. Children with autism demand a consistent environment, and the slightest change of routine may cause them to act out. Repetitive behaviors may also take the form of an intense preoccupation with a particular interest or object. Children who exhibit any of these symptoms should be evaluated by a pediatrician.
Regression in Developmental Milestones
HealthyChildren.org reports that about 25 percent of children diagnosed with autism will develop normally until about the age of 18 months. At that age, some children will show signs of regression in certain developmental milestones, such as withdrawing into themselves and showing less interest in their surroundings. Children may no longer wave good-bye or may stop talking if they had previously been doing do. They may no longer turn their heads when called and at times may appear to be hearing impaired. A child exhibiting any of these symptoms should be taken to a pediatrician for evaluation.
