Warning Signs of Autism in Early Childhood
Parents should ask their child’s family doctor for referral to a developmental pediatrician for assessment if there are concerns with any of the following:
• 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 2-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
• 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/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
• Unusual fears
• Rarely makes eye contact when interacting with people
• Does not play peek-a-boo
• Doesn’t point to show things he/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/look when someone is pointing at something
• Seems to be “in his/her own world”
• Doesn’t respond to parent’s attempts to play, even if relaxed
• Avoids or ignores other children when they approach
Autism is treatable.
Early intervention is critical.
Know the warning signs of autism in young children.
Act early.
Print an 8.5 x 14 (legal size) Red Flags for Autism poster 
Print an 8.5 x 11 (letter size) Red Flags for Autism brochure 
Print an 8.5 x 11 (letter size) "What is Autism?" brochure 
For more information contact
Autism Ontario - Durham Region
Toll Free 1-866-495-4680
durham@autismontario.com
Autism Ontario - Durham Region wishes to acknowledge the generous financial support of DynaVox Technologies Inc. in our joint Red Flags for Autism public awareness campaign. Packages containing a Red Flags for Autism poster and brochures, along with other autism awareness materials, were distributed in May 2007 to 400 physicians who treat children in Durham Region. Visit the DynaVox website to learn about augmentative communication devices and other speech-output solutions that can help your child make meaningful connections with the world. For more information about DynaVox products, email or phone DynaVox Ontario Sales Representative Danielle Franklin at 416-568-3342.
Back to top