Informal Signs of Autism
Does my child…
- avoid eye contact?
- not wave hello/bye bye or point at things to get my attention?
- have a language development delay or no way of communicating at all?
- not respond to his/her name ?
- drag adults by the hand to get what he/she wants instead of using language?
- not have words or skills he/she once had?
- not ask for help when needed?
- repeatedly say, word for word, exactly what is heard on TV/videos?
- fixate on the same topics of conversation over and over?
- have selective hearing, sometimes he/she responds, but often does not?
- have difficulty following directions or does not follow them at all?
- play next to other children, but not with them, often preferring to play alone?
- flap his/her hands or twirl and move his/her fingers near the face?
- line up toys or objects?
- like to open and close doors repeatedly, watch lights, fans, or running water?
- have unusual attachments to certain toys that are often played with inappropriately?
- have a difficult time sitting down and focusing on an age-appropriate task?
- seem to look off into nowhere or “zone out”?
- run or pace back and forth?
- watch the same video or play with the same toy over and over?
- rock, spin, jump, or bounce often?
- twirl or string paperclips?
- turn cars/trains over and watch the spinning wheels?
- fixate on trains, water, or parts of objects?
- seem to be unaware of danger?
- have a difficult time with transitions or change?
- tantrum frequently and severely for no obvious reason?
- have consistent difficulty sleeping or getting to sleep?
- have a high pain threshold or appear not to feel pain when hurt?
- hate getting his/her nails cut?
- cover ears/eyes/nose to protect from sounds, lights, odors, or touch?
- cry/object to buying new shoes or wearing shoes/clothes at all?
- eat only a few specific foods and crave sugar or salt?
- have a distended abdomen, profuse sweating, or excessive thirst/urination?
- act extremely fatigued, passive, restless, or hyperactive?
- have chronic diarrhea and/or constipation?
- have dark circles under the eyes, red cheeks or earlobes?
