Autism Symptoms & Characteristics Checklist
Autism: Symptoms and Characteristics
Much research has been conducted to try to aid the identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder in early childhood. Some clear signs have now been identified that help parents to recognize the symptoms & characteristics of Autism and other possible developmental challenges in their own children.Autism Checklist
Consider your child in terms of the following behaviors:- When you call his/her name, does your child consistently turn his head?
- Does your child make direct eye contact with you as much as other children?
- Does your child look at toys you show him/her?
- When you play with your child, does she/he smile at you often?
- Does your child use body language and gestures to communicate with you (e.g. pointing, waving, showing objects and reaching)? If so, does s/he use eye contact at the same time as using a gesture?
- Does your child exchange sounds (or words) with you back and forth?
If you need immediate help or guidance,
contact an Autism Program Advisor today.
Other signs that may indicate a developmental challenge are:
- An unusual insistence on routine
- A preference for being alone or aloofness
- A resistance to being held or touched
- Spinning objects or unusual sensory interests in objects (e.g. peering at objects, sniffing or licking non-food items, watching objects fall)
- Engaging in repetitious motor movements (e.g. running in circles, jumping more than usual)
- Repeating words or phrases
- Laughing, crying or showing distress for no apparent reason
- No response to verbal instructions despite normal hearing test
What to do if you see early signs of autism
