Red Flags for Autism
Warning Signs of Autism in Early Childhood
If you think your child exhibits a number of these signs, we recommend that you ask your family doctor, pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist for a referral for a developmental assessment or referral to a developmental specialist.
Communication
- No babbling by 11 months of age
- No simple gestures by 12 months such as waving bye-bye
- No single words by 16 months
- No two-word phrases by 24 months
- No response when name is called, causing concern about hearing
- Loss of any language or social skills at any age
Behaviour 
- Odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hands
- Oversensitive to certain textures, sounds, or lights
- Lack of in toys or plays with toys in an unusual way (for example: opening and closing toy parts rather than playing with the toy)
- Compulsions or rituals (has to perform activities in a certain sequence; prone to tantrums if rituals are interrupted)
- Preoccupations with unusual interests, such as light switches
- Unusual fears
Social 
- 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
Remember -
Early intervention is critical.
Know the warning signs of autism in young children.
ACT early.