Autism Ontario

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 (noun+verb = "baby sleeping")
• 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 interest in toys, orr plays with toys in an unusual way {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 interrupted)
• Preoccupations with unusual interests, such as light switches
• Unusual fears

Social

• Rarely makes eye contact while interacting with people
• Does not play peek-a-boo
• Doesn't point to show things that he or 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 or look up when
• someone is pointing at something
• Seems to be "in his or her own world
• Doesn't respond to parent's attempts to play, even if relaxed
• Avoids or ignores other children who approach them

Remember

• Autism is treatable.
• Early intervention is critical.
• Act early.

Autism Ontario is here to help!
Call us to learn more about autism. Autism Ontario is a not-for-profit charitable organization that is a strong voice for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We work to ensure that every individual with ASD is provided the means to achieve quality of life as a respected member of society. Our programs include:

• A service for families, providing support from autism experts, workshops and community experiences for children and youth. www.autismontario.com/rcp
• A web resource for families to identify and locate qualified Ontario autism service providers, www.abacuslist.ca
• A campaign that supports autism awareness and research in Canada. www.togetherforautism.ca