Home : What is Autism? : Signs & Symptoms
 
What do I do if my child has any of these signs or symptoms?
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If your child has any of these signs or symptoms, speak with your pediatrician about your concerns to rule out any other medical condition that your child might have that would lead to similar symptoms. If your pediatrician feels your child may be affected with ASD, he or she will likely refer you to a Developmental Pediatrician who would be skilled in diagnosis. There is no medical test to diagnose ASD. A team of skilled professionals will observe and evaluate your child’s communication, social, and behavior skills. Parent and caregiver information is vital in this process.
 
Signs and Symptoms
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• Failure to make eye contact

• Does not point or gesture to show interest by age 1

• Does not respond to own name

• Does not respond when spoken to, but is
aware of other sounds

• Child repeatedly plays with a toy in an unnatural way (spins tires on a car, twirls string, flaps object)

• Laughs, cries, or tantrums for no obvious reason

• Has little or no meaningful vocal speech

• Repeats words or phrases said to him in place of meaningful speech

• Trouble adapting to routine changes

• Child has a loss of skills (no longer says words in his or her vocabulary)

• Child has difficulty following simple commands (clap hands, sit down, come here)