Autism spectrum disorder, or autism, is not simply one disorder, but rather a group of developmental disorders affecting a child's ability to communicate, socialize and show emotion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is a condition that affects one out of every 150 children in the United States. Autism symptoms will show up in 2-year-olds, so the sooner you recognize the symptoms, the sooner you can seek treatment for your child.
Communication Skills
According to the medical experts of Autism Help, nearly half of autistic children are unable to develop the speech needed to communicate their needs or wants. While many 2-year-olds without autism have begun speaking or trying to put simple words together, those with autism have a much less diverse vocabulary or babbling ability. It is difficult for them to form consonants and combinations of words, and they are less likely to use hand gestures when speaking.
While most 2 year-olds will point at an object they want, or will follow your finger in the direction of the object you are pointing at, 2-year olds with autism do not have the same ability. In many cases, your child is unable to make the connection between your finger and the object you are trying to draw his attention to. Instead, he will look only at your finger.
Behavioral Skills
There are many behavioral skills an autistic 2-year-old lacks, just as there are specific types of behavior she has a tendency to display. For instance, you may notice that your child likes a specific routine; any disruption in this routine may cause her to become uncontrollably upset. This is a common symptom in autistic children; she may like her bath at the same time each day, as well as the same meals at the same time.
You may also notice your child will flap her hands frequently or sit and rock back and forth, sometimes for hours. It is also common for her to demonstrate compulsive behavior; when she is playing with her dolls or a set of blocks, she may line them up in a perfect row, spending hours getting them just right. If someone disturbs the order she has them in, she may become extremely upset.
Socialization Skills
According to the medical experts at Autism Help, autistic children want to have friends, but making them is difficult. For instance, if you take your child on a play date, you may find he separates himself from the rest of the group. This is due in large part to an inability to understand friendly gestures, such as a smile or eye contact.
When he's given a hug, even by you, he will usually stiffen his body as if he's rejecting your sign of affection. This is simply because he doesn't understand the emotion and is unable to reciprocate it.
While many 2-year-olds wave goodbye or turn their heads when their name is called, an autistic 2-year-old generally does not do these things. He is also less likely to participate in games such as peek-a-boo or looking for mommy and daddy when asked where they are.
