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Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Including Signs of Autism in Infants and Young Children |
Since autism is a disorder and not a disease, it is not entirely accurate to refer to "symptoms" of autism. Instead, there is a range of signs and behavior patterns that indicate autism. Signs of autism may appear during infancy, and the disorder is usually diagnosed by the time the child is 3 years old. Sometimes the child's behavior appears normal until 18 months to 2 years, and then regresses rapidly. This is referred to as "regressive autism". Signs and symptoms of autism occur in various combinations and range from mild to severe.
Signs of Autism in Infants |
Signs of Autism in Young Children |
- Abnormal reactions to sensory stimuli
- Resists cuddling, hugging or affection
- Lack of response to others
- Indifferent to surroundings
- Sleep disorders
- Lack of interest in playing with toys
- Appears content to be alone
- Does not point out objects of interest
- Inconsolable crying or screaming
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- Apparent hearing problems
- Uses gestures instead of words
- Does not respond to name
- No eye contact
- Unaware of toys
- Repetitive use of words or phrases (echolalia)
- Does not smile
- Loss of communication and verbal skills at any age
- Age 16 months with no word use
- Age 2 years with no two word sentences
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Signs of Autism in Children |
- Is not interested in other people and prefers to be alone
- Resists changes in routine
- Repeats actions (turning in circles, flapping their arms, rocking, head banging)
- Tendency to withdraw from social interactions
- Heightened activity, or very little activity
- Toe-walking
- Uneven motor skills
- Innappropriate attachment to objects
- Frequent behavioral outbursts, tantrums
- Seizures
- Learning difficulties
- Reduced or increased sensitivity to pain
- Resistance to touch
- Abnormally sensitive to sounds, smells, bright lights, or other sensory stimulation
- No interactive play with other children
- Lacks empathy
- Has difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling
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Diagnostic Criteria for Autism (DSM IV-TR)
| In order to make a formal diagnosis of Autism, the following signs and symptoms must be present: |
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Impairment in
social interaction |
Impairment in communication skills |
Restricted, stereotyped
& repetitive behavior,
interests and activities |
1. Lack of eye contact, facial expressions and social gestures
2. Failure to develop peer relationships
3. Does not seek out social interaction
4. Lack of social or emotional reciprocity |
1. Language delay or absence
2. Inability to initiate and sustain conversation
3. Stereotyped or 'strange' use of language
4. Lack of make believe or social play |
1. Abnormally intense preoccupation with certain activities or areas of interest
2. Inflexible insistence on certain nonfunctional rituals or routines
3. Stereotyped and repetitive movements ie. hand flapping, preoccupation with parts of objects |
To make the diagnosis at least 6 of the above markers must be noted, as well as developmental delays in at least one of the following areas:
1. Delayed or abnormal social interaction
2. Delay or abnormal use of language in social interaction
3. Delay or absence in symbolic or imaginative play
Please note that many healthy children will display some of these symptoms, this does not make them autistic! the symptoms above can range from mild to severe.
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