(same as autism)

Autism is a complex developmental disorder caused by an abnormality in the brain. Although symptoms may vary greatly from one affected person to another, there are clear behavioural signs that can be detected prior to the age of 2 years, even within the first year of life. While many of these symptoms can be found in typically developing children, you should consult your family physician if you are concerned about your child's development in any of the following areas.

Fails to achieve any of the following milestones:

1. Babbling by 11 months
2. Simple gestures (e.g. waving) by 12 months
3. Single words by 16 months
4. Two-word phrases (a noun and a verb) by 24 months
5. Loses any language or social skills at any age
6. Does not respond when name is called
7. Rarely makes eye contact when interacting with other people
8. Doesn't smile socially
9. More interested in looking at objects than at people's faces
10. Avoids or ignores other children when they approach him/her
11. Has odd or repetitive ways of moving hands and/or fingers
12. Seems oversensitive to certain textures or sounds
13. Lacks interest in toys, or plays with them in an unusual way (e.g. lining up, spinning, opening/closing parts rather than using the whole toy)
14. Has to perform activities in a special way or sequence

 

Common Behavioural Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

1. Delayed or aberrant speech and language development
2. Poor eye contact
3. Idiosyncratic, repetitive patterns of behaviour, such as lining up items or starting at the wheels of a toy car
4. Disruptive behaviour, such as severe tantrums or self-injury
5. Avoidance of or indifference to social interactions
6. Preference for sameness / resistance to change in routines

The specific characteristics of autism occur in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe.