Early Signs of Autism

Many children who have autistic disorder are not diagnosed until they are at least 18 months in age. Some are diagnosed as late as three years of age. The signs of autism are usually difficult to detect during infancy. Following are early signs of autism that may be prevalent before the age of 24 months. Common symptoms of autistic disorder include: • Does not smile by the age of six months • Does not respond to his name • Does not cry • Does not babble or use gestures by 12 months • Does not point to objects by 12 months • Does not use words by 16 months • Does not use two-word phrases by 24 months • Regresses after mastering skills/loses previously mastered skills • Delays in milestones like crawling and walking