Red Flags for Autism

September 07, 2008

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Red Flags for Autism

by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

One of the things we now know about autism is that early diagnosis is crucial. Simply put, educational treatments started early are much more effective than those undertaken later.

To help you decide whether or not to pursue a possible diagnosis of autism, here are some red flags to be aware of.* If you notice one or more of these signs in a child, it does not necessarily mean that he has autism. No one single behavior defines this disorder, and all of these behaviors can be explained by other causes that may be more easily treated. However, it probably makes sense to raise the question of autism and to consult with your child's doctor or a specialist, who can either reassure you or provide a thorough assessment.

Consider the possibility of autism if

your child does not babble or point at things by 12 months of age

your child does not say any single words (including mama or dada) by 16 months of age

your child does not form--not just repeat--any two-word sentences such as "mommy home!" or "more juice!" by two years of age. (Many children fall into this category, but only a few of them actually have autism.)

your child loses any language or social skills, at any age. This doesn't include skills that a child has just learned, however. Quite often a child will speak a new word, then not say it again for a while. The loss of skills that are troublesome are those a child has truly mastered, such as saying three- and four-word sentences, that he no longer seems capable of doing.

If you have other reasons for being concerned that your child is not developing normally, by all means, bring these up with your child's doctor. For example, how you feel when you are with your child can often be a very accurate indicator of how your child is doing. If holding your baby, talking, cuddling, and playing makes you feel joyful and content, chances are your baby is just fine. But if instead you feel tense, unhappy, or as though your baby is not responding to you the way you expect, you should certainly ask for help--and keep asking until you get it. If your gut tells you that something is not right, the sooner you figure it out and fix it, the better off your baby and you will be.

*This list was taken from a recent publication by the Child Neurology Society and the American Academy of Neurology, titled The Screening and Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. (You can find the guidelines themselves on the American Academy of Neurology website at www.aan.com.)


RELATED INFORMATION

			How to Cope with a Diagnosis of Autism
			Treating Autism, from Medication to Art Therapy
			Autism

Created December 21, 2000
Reviewed August 15, 2004

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