Autism
Autism is a neuro-developmental condition that may look different in different people depending on age and the brain’s makeup. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) causes significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.
Signs and symptoms
Missing social communication and interaction milestones
| Age | Behavior |
| Avoids eye contact | |
| 9 months | Does not respond to name Does not show facial expressions |
| 1 year | Does not play interactive games like pat-a-cake Uses only few or no gestures, such as waving goodbye |
| 15 months | Does not share interests such as presenting a toy to show off or share with others |
| 18 months | Will not point to things they are interested in |
| 2 years | Does not notice or react to others being upset or hurt |
| 3 years | Does not join or even notice others during play |
| 4 years | Does not pretend or act being something else, such as a superhero or teacher, during play |
| 5 years | Does not sing, dance, or act during play |
Restrictive or repetitive behaviors
- Lines up toys and objects, gets upset if the order is changed
- Repeats words or phrases continually
- Plays with toys the same way every time
- Focuses on the parts of objects instead of the whole (e.g., the wheels on the truck)
- Becomes upset with minor changes
- Has obsessive interests
- Must follow routines
- Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins in circles
- Has unusual reactions to sound, smells, tastes, textures, or the way things look
Other general characteristics
- Delayed language skills, delayed movement skills, delayed cognitive or learning skills
- Hyperactive, impulsive, inattentive behavior
- Epilepsy or seizure disorder
- Unusual eating or sleeping habits
- Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., constipation)
- Unusual mood or emotional reactions
- Excessive anxiety, stress, or worry
- Complete lack of fear or excessive, debilitating fear