Autism Signs

Autism Signs questions and answers

Have questions about Autism Signs? Checkout the website Diet & Health.

Q: Autism Signs?
I have a 4 year old cousin named John. We have a big family and I have my own obligations so I don't get to see them alot, and the last time I saw John was when he was 2. I think he may be showing some signs of autism. But his mother is very young and likes to go out so I don't think she is catching or wanting to catch anything. He is barely talking he can say obvious things like "mom and dad" but beyond that it varies pretty quick. He doesn't like being around other children that much either, only our other little cousin that is around his age. Are those signs of autism? What are some other signs? What kind of Doctor should I suggest that he see?

A: In general, children with autism have problems in three crucial areas of development — social skills, language and behavior. The most severe autism is marked by a complete inability to communicate or interact with other people. Because the symptoms of autism vary widely, two children with the same diagnosis may act quite differently and have strikingly different skills. If your child has autism, he or she may develop normally for the first few months — or years — of life and then later become less responsive to other people, including you. You may recognize the following signs in the areas of social skills, language and behavior: Social skills Fails to respond to his or her name Has poor eye contact Appears not to hear you at times Resists cuddling and holding Appears unaware of others' feelings Seems to prefer playing alone — retreats into his or her "own world" Language Starts talking later than other children Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences Does not make eye contact when making requests Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech Can't start a conversation or keep one going May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them Behavior Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping Develops specific routines or rituals Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals Moves constantly May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch Young children with autism also have a hard time sharing experiences with others. When someone reads to them, for example, they're unlikely to point at pictures in the book. This early-developing social skill is crucial to later language and social development. As they mature, some children with autism become more engaged with others and show less marked disturbances in behavior. Some, usually those with the least severe impairments, eventually may lead normal or near-normal lives. Others, however, continue to have severe impairments in language or social skills, and the adolescent years can mean a worsening of behavior problems. The majority of children with autism are slow to acquire new knowledge or skills. However, some children with autism have normal to high intelligence. These children learn quickly yet have trouble communicating, applying what they know in everyday life and adjusting in social situations. An extremely small number of children with autism are "autistic savants" and have exceptional skills in a specific area, such as art or math.

Q: What are some signs of autism in a baby?
My 6 month old baby isn't hitting some developmental milestones. What are some signs of autism in babies?

A: I was worried about this with my son because he wouldn't look at me early on-- he wanted to look everywhere else but at me (he avoided all peoples' eyes, actually). Turns out everything else was just more interesting, he's now a cuddly affectionate walking jibberish-talking normal 14 month old! I'd say just try to enjoy the baby, what will come will come and you can't change it and worrying won't do anything. Good luck.

Q: What are signs of autism in children at the age of one?
My son is 14 months old and when he gets mad he will hit. We have tried everything from time out to telling him no but he will just laugh and hit again. Anyways someone i work with today has a son who is three and was just diagnosed with autism she told me that he always hits and does not listen and that my son probably has it as well. What are real signs of autism? I really don't think he has autism for he talks, makes eye contact and loves to give kisses and hugs.

A: If they don't make eye contact. If they don't talk or interact (like throwing a ball back to you when you toss it to them.) If they don't laugh or smile. If the don't like being held, hugged or touched.

Q: How young can you start to see signs of autism??
My nephew is 2 months old and he doesnt like to be held, he wont look at anyone, he only stretches he head backwards to look at a light or something else and he never seems happy... im worried that he might have something wrong with him like autism... does anyone have an autistic child and know how early you could see signs of autim? Thanks so much for any help!

A: Hello, I agree that 2 months is too early to diagnose obvious signs of autism since the baby is still developing. However, it would not hurt to keep track of the baby's behavior by writing it down, in case you notice concerns later on (around 1-3 years of age). Then you can look back, and describe to the doctor clearly about your baby's history. Things you can do to encourage your baby to develop properly, are give them lots of sensory stimulation, bright colors in the form of toys they can hold, touching (he doesn't like to be held, but how about rocked in a rocking chair? or touched?), rocking (you can do this in a chair, or put the baby in the car seat and rock it lightly and as the baby gets older, you could consider a baby swing), light bouncing (but NEVER shaking of course), easy listening/classical music, and toys that make noise, such as rattles, squeaky toys, etc. Basically, try to find lots of different toys, with different noises, textures, sounds, and colors ( I have some on my website--see below), and expose your baby to many different kinds of things. These are just some basic ideas. The more sensory stimulation you are able to give a young child, the better chance the nervous system has of making good connections, which will help the child all through life. However, if you are doing something the baby doesn't like, of course, stop. And if you notice something that really doesn't seem right, consult your doctor immediately. Good Luck & have fun! Jessica www.sensoryintegrate.com

Q: Is anyone paranoid about autism and constantly looking for signs in their infant?
I have a 8 month old boy and am constantly worried about autism. I know that it's difficult to tell at this age, but I'm just curious if anyone else is fearful as well? Does anyone else think they see subtle signs of autism in their baby, but are probably just being irrational like me?

A: I have had concerns at times. I think as parents we scrutinise over the milestones and what our babies should be doing at certain ages. We forget that all babies are different and milestones are just averages not exact. It can be hard not to worry about you babies, especially when it is your first, because you know nothing about babies and have nothing to compare too. Try not to worry about these things now and enjoy your baby. We as parents will have enough to worry about for the next 20 years so don't sweat it yet. I understand how you feel, but your baby will do certain things in his own time frame. Don't compare your baby to everyone else's either, trust me! Good luck and stop that worrying sweetie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Q: What are signs of autism in adults?
My brother has been troubled by mental illness most of his life, but has never been diagnosed with one specific disorder, besides depression. As I learn more about autism, if would seem that he suffered from it as a child and left untreated (which certainly could have led to the depression). What are signs of autism in adults and how do they differ from those in children?

A: A child or adult with autism will have problems interacting with people (may avoid eye-contact, may not imitate others, may not use gestures, may prefer to be alone, may not understand social cues). A child or adult with autism will have problems communicating (may not speak, language may be delayed, may be unable to initiate or maintain a conversation, language may be unusual or odd, may repeat what others say, may be unable to use their imagination in play). A child or adult with autism may show restricted, repetitive, or ritualistic behaviors, interests, and activities (may be preoccupied with a narrow range of interest, may insist on sameness, may line toys up in the same way time after time, may flap hands, may spin self or objects, may rock, may be upset if the routine changes in any way, may focus on only a small part of a toy or object). Asperger syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder at the highest end of the autism spectrum. People with AS develop language normally, but often have difficulty with social interactions, fine and gross motor coordination, and eye contact. They may be extremely passionate about just one or two topics, with little patience for small talk. They also may struggle to handle normal daily activities, such as organizing time, managing conflict, or even facing the sensory overload presented by malls and grocery stores. Adults with AS may appear painfully shy, or they may be extremely outgoing - sometimes to the point of being "in your face." That's because people with AS often misinterpret social interaction.

Q: How does this detect signs of autism in a child.....?
Okay I was watching "scrubs" and there was this kid who was playing w/ blocks. Then that mean charactered doctor said that he had signs of autism because the blocks he was playing with had perfect semmetry and matching colors. What was up with that? How does that sign detect autism, just curious.

A: Usually kids with autism like sameness and patterns. When playing with blocks, they may line them up in a row or stack them according to size or color. While this could be a sign of autism, there are many other areas to look at before making a diagnosis.

Q: What are the signs of Autism in a teenager?
I would like to know the signs of autism, I have my doubts about a friends child , who ask as if he does not care about stuff, does bad in school, thinks he can control everybody, does'nt listen, disrespectful, uncaring, I just want to know do you think this is Autism or something else. He does not care about school, his work , he is failing, do you think this is something emotional . from his childhood , he shows no concern. I need your help

A: If he had autism, it would be apparent long before now. Why would you even think autism? This sounds like something completely different. If you want to look up disorders, you might try ODD, Conduct disorder, borderline personality disorder. He could be seriously emotionally disturbed due to trauma of some kind in his childhood. There could be things going on in the house that you have no idea are happening. Adults can be abusing alcohol or drugs, and this is the boys reaction to that. There might be lots of stress, arguing or verbal abuse, and again this is the reaction He might be self medicating with marijuana or experimenting with other drugs or alcohol and this is the result. Maybe he's got an undiagnosed learning disability, as a result he can't do well in school, doesn't understand why and feels stupid, unworthy and why even bother. Shutting down and acting like "I don't care" is alot easier than feeling bad about yourself, hurt and frustrated. Could he be the target of bullying? People who are bullied alot can act out and act "tough" as a way to feel better and have a sense of control. Has he always been this way? Has there been a sudden shift or very gradual shift.

Q: Was told my son is showing a few characteristics of Autism. What signs should I look for?
I've looked it up of course but would like some views from other parents with autistic children. What other signs should I be looking for? He's only 2. Doesn't speak at all. Used to say a few things, but doesn't anymore. Is doing speech therapy and therapist is trying to teach him baby signs but hes just not getting it yet. Shows no interest. Doesn't play with other children, keeps his distance. Seems very smart and understands things. Has had eye surgeries for crossed eyes so thinking maybe plays a part in his learning but still unsure. Liked some things at first, then becomes afraid of them later. These are just a few concerns...

A: I have a 6 year old with autism - not asperger's, but more severe. He was late walking, (17 months), didn't talk. He did make eye contact and smiled. At about 2 and a half he had maybe 30 very unclear 'words' which only we would understand, and his receptive language (his understanding) was very poor. We had his hearing checked first, because we thought that might be it. It wasn't. He also showed more and more severe behavioural problems from about the age of 12 months. He was extremely clingy to me to the point of not being able to let me out of his sight without going beserk. He would bite, kick, scream and bang his head on the floor or any other hard surface. I had to face the fact that he had special needs when I tried to put him in a nursery so I could go back to work and the staff had such a terrible time (this was at the age of 2 and a half), they took me to one side and asked if I had had him looked at. The manager of the nursery said she'd had experience of special needs children, and he was ticking all the boxes. The only way they could calm him down during the half hour trial sessions (that's as far as it got!) was in the sensory area with lights and bubbles, which usually works on children like that. It was a big wake up call and I got him into a special needs nursery, abandoned the work plans (I still don't work), and got him all the help he needed. It became my full time job to make sure he was provided for to help him progress to his full potential. He is now in a special school, and after being there 2 years, they say he is now ready to start actually learning. Before this it was all about getting his behaviour under control. His speech has improved. He can make basic sentences, and understand simple questions. He has his obsessions - trains, car washes, lifts. He dictates most of what we do at the weekends (always the same routine). At 2, it's hard to say how much of this is going to be relevant to your son. They all turn out so different anyway. The most dramatic things my son did and still does at 6 which are typically 'autistic' are: Putting hands over ears when there is a strange noise, or for no reason at all. Taking your hand and leading you to do something he wants you to do. Obsessed with wheeled objects or things that spin, in particular trains. Repetitive play - simply wheeling a car in and out of something for hours on end. Lining toys up and looking at them from eye level. Tantrums provoked by change in routine Hates getting hair cut, nails cut, teeth brushed, face washed, or being touched to examine for any reason (looking at a mark or cut, for example). Wants to read the same books over and over again, resistant to new ones. Flapping his hands when having a tantrum The list is long, and there is much more. I hope this is helpful to you. We have lived with this for so many years now we are very used to it, and it's not as tough as it probably sounds to others. We have a wonderful, loving little boy, who is a real charmer, and an entertainer. He loves to perform in front of others (which is decidedly un-autistic, but as I said, they are all so different). Good luck to you and your family.

Q: Can you see signs of autism in infants?
I know that most children do not start showing symtoms until 3+ years. But my question is, Does anyone have children with autism, who began showing symtoms as early as two months? My 9 week old son still is not focusing in on people, and everyone comments on it. It is starting to worry me. He gets fixated on the ceiling and bright lights. He smiles, but only to voices, never to faces.

A: Researchers are strenuosly trying to find a way to diagnose autism by age 1, however at and under age 1 they have found all the tests are only about 50% accurate -that is half of those they think have autism turn out not too. By age two they are slightly more accurate. At 9 weeks I would say it is impossible to judge.

Q: what are the signs of Autism?
Does anyone have a child or been around a child with Autism? If so what are the early physical signs?

A: Symptoms Core symptoms The severity of symptoms varies greatly between individuals; however, all people with autism have some core symptoms in the areas of: Related Articles Autism - Topic Overview Autism - Treatment Overview » More symptoms Articles Social interactions and relationships. Symptoms may include: Significant problems developing nonverbal communication skills, such as eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions, and body posture. Failure to establish friendships with children the same age. Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people. Lack of empathy. People with autism may have difficulty understanding another person's feelings, such as pain or sorrow. Verbal and nonverbal communication. Symptoms may include: Delay in, or lack of, learning to talk. As many as 50% of people with autism never speak.1 Problems taking steps to start a conversation. Also, people with autism have difficulties continuing a conversation once it has begun. Stereotyped and repetitive use of language. People with autism often repeat over and over a phrase they have heard previously (echolalia). Difficulty understanding their listener's perspective. For example, a person with autism may not understand that someone is using humor. They may interpret the communication word for word and fail to catch the implied meaning. Limited interests in activities or play. Symptoms may include: An unusual focus on pieces. Younger children with autism often focus on parts of toys, such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the entire toy. Preoccupation with certain topics. For example, older children and adults may be fascinated by train schedules, weather patterns, or license plates. A need for sameness and routines. For example, a child with autism may always need to eat bread before salad and insist on driving the same route every day to school. Stereotyped behaviors. These may include body rocking and hand flapping. Symptoms during childhood Symptoms of autism are usually noticed first by parents and other caregivers sometime during the child's first 3 years. Although autism is present at birth (congenital), signs of the disorder can be difficult to identify or diagnose during infancy. Parents often become concerned when their toddler does not like to be held; does not seem interested in playing certain games, such as peekaboo; and does not begin to talk. They also may be confused about their child's hearing abilities. It often seems that a child with autism does not hear, yet at other times, he or she may appear to hear a distant background noise, such as the whistle of a train. With early and intensive treatment, most children improve their ability to relate to others, communicate, and help themselves as they grow older. Contrary to popular myths about children with autism, very few are completely socially isolated or "live in a world of their own." Symptoms during adolescent and teen years During the teen years, the patterns of behavior often change. Many teens gain skills but still lag behind in their ability to relate to and understand others. Puberty and emerging sexuality may be more difficult for adolescents and teens with autism than for others this age. Teens are at a slightly increased risk for developing problems related to depression, anxiety, and epilepsy. Symptoms in adulthood Some adults with autism are able to work and live on their own. The degree to which an adult with autism can lead an independent life is related to intelligence and ability to communicate. At least 33% are able to achieve at least partial independence.2 Some adults with autism need a lot of assistance, especially those with low intelligence who are unable to speak. Part- or full-time supervision can be provided by residential treatment programs. At the other end of the spectrum, adults with high-functioning autism are often successful in their professions and able to live independently, although they typically continue to have some difficulties relating to other people. These individuals usually have average to above-average intelligence. Other symptoms Many people with autism have symptoms similar to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But these symptoms, especially problems with social relationships, are more severe for people with autism. For more information, see the topic Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. About 10% of people with autism have some form of savant skills—special limited gifts such as memorizing lists, calculating calendar dates, drawing, or musical ability.1 Many people with autism have unusual sensory perceptions. For example, they may describe a light touch as painful and deep pressure as providing a calming feeling. Others may not feel pain at all. Some people with autism have strong food likes and dislikes and unusual preoccupations. Other conditions Autism is one of several types of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), also called autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is not unusual for autism to be confused with other PDDs, such as Asperger's disorder or syndrome, or to have overlapping symptoms. A similar condition is called pervasive developmental disorder-NOS (not otherwise specified). PDD-NOS occurs when children display similar behaviors but do not meet the criteria for autism. It is commonly called just PDD. In addition, other conditions with similar symptoms may also have similarities to or occur with autism.

Q: What are some signs of autism in children 8 years old?
I feel my youngest is mildly autistic. He has routines that he gets very upset if they are changed or interupted. He also learns very differently than other kids, as well as having the mentality of someone 1 - 2 years younger than he.

A: Definitely get him to a specialist!! Usually autistic children obsess on certain things. My son's obsessions include dust and anything with a Pillsbury label (cookie dough, biscuits, pie crust, etc). Also, you will see traits that include wanting to be alone, not comfortable in a crowd (low social skills), and usually some communication/speech impediments. But you will also see areas of strong interest. My son has memorized books, videos, multiplication tables, and is especially strong in math. My son was diagnosed at age 5, but only after seeing many, many doctors who "didn't know".

Q: My nephew shows possible signs of autism, my sister seems to be in denial. How do I confront her?
My baby nephew a little over a year old, but he very seldom talks, and prefers to be alone most of the time. His reactions aren't the same as most children, but he is a genuinely beautiful baby boy. I do notice he is into detail when arranging toy blocks and stuff. He also seems to be very gifted with memory. I think he could possibly be savant, but how do I confront my sister on this without hurting her feelings? I feel that he at least deserves an early diagnosis, to get started on some form of therapy already. Somebody please offer advice on how I can approach this sensitive subject with her?

A: Make her aware of the abilities that her son possesses, like you said about arranging the blocks and toys. She could get him tested to see if he is gifted, and maybe it will uncover any learning difficulties as well. You should get her to do something soon though. My nephew was the same as this, and he is 4 now. He can hardly speak and can't put a sentence together. He is not social with other children and can be violent if he doesn't get his way. It gets worse if it's not picked up on early. If you hurt your sisters feelings a bit in the short term, it will end up helping her in the long term. Good luck, I hope it works out ok for you, your sister and your nephew.

Q: Is it possible, my three month old is exhibiting signs of autism?
She doesn't like to look at the person holding her. She can and does make eye contact and smiles at people she recognizes, but when some one who is holding her trys to talk to her, she turns her head.

A: Completely normal.

Q: What, if any, are the signs of autism in an infant?
I have been worried about my now 6-month-old step-grandson since he was just a couple of weeks old. He has always been difficult to engage - vacant gaze, no eye contact, no smiling or laughing, and he cries when someone persists at trying to engage with him. Now that his behavior is a more volitional he moves his head to avoid eye contact, especially when he is being held. He scans his environment but shows more interest in objects than in people. At 6 months old he is not babbling. I am the mother of 2 children (19 & 22), I am an Occupational Therapist, and I also have a degree in Psychology so I have some life experience and some education in childhood development - but it has been years since I spent a lot of time with a baby and this is a specialized and sensitive subject. I thought I might be overreacting but now my 19-year-old daughter independently came to the same conclusion. His parents have not expressed any concern, at least to us. What should I do?

A: Here is a list of early warning signs: Excessive passivity (lack of crying, lack of interest in surroundings) Excessive activity (lack of physical calmness, incessant crying) Refusal or resistance to feeding or nursing (breastfeeding/others) Lack of reaction to voice or presence of a parent (doesn’t turn his head, doesn’t smile, doesn’t babble) Aversion to parental touch (or any other person) Lack of direct eye contact (can follow objects) Delayed motor development (followed by hypotonic/high stiff muscle tone) Rapid growth of the circumference of the head (in relation to the initial point). All infants have a problem adjusting after the trauma of birth. They are all autistic, but most outgrow it. If the baby is highly intelligent, the trauma is more intense than with normal babies. That's why geniuses are almost always at least slightly autistic. It seems to me like your grandson is at risk, at least for ADHD or infantile neurosis if not full-blown autism. Anyway, be really careful when choosing a child therapist. A lot of them act like they understand autism, or talk about "early intervention" with no idea of what to do. Here is a website you can visit that I think you will find really useful for this particular issue: http://www.mifne-autism.com/int_pre_autism_network.htm