Warning Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Does not babble, point, or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age.
• Does not speak one word by 16 months.
• Does not combine two words by 2 years.
• Does not respond to name.
• Loses language or social skills.

Some Other Indicators

• Poor eye contact.
• Doesn't seem to know how to play with toys.
• Excessively lines up toys or other objects.
• Is attached to one particular toy or object.
• Doesn't smile.
• At times seems to be hearing impaired.

Borrowed from Strock, M. (2004). Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders). NIH Publication No. NIH-04-5511, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, 40 pp. Accessed on March 19, 2006 http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm