How to Spot Early Signs of Autism

Watch for odd interests. Children with autism don't usually play with toys appropriately. They often line up the toys rather than playing with them. They become fascinated with parts of the toys, such as the wheels on a car. The child may spin the wheels, or get eye level while he runs the car across the floor, fixating on the motion of the wheels.

Note any strange behaviors. Abnormal body posturing is common in young children with autism. For instance, a common body posture among young autistic children is described as a backward Superman. The child leans forward with their arms extended behind them, wrists flexed. Other strange behaviors exhibited by young children on the autism spectrum include toe walking and hand flapping. These behaviors became more prominent as the child got older. Toe walking is normal occasionally; it is concerning when it is used more than walking regularly.

Be concerned about devlopmental delays. Some language delays are normal for boys, such as a few months behind girls. Also, children with older siblings may talk a few months later. However, if your child has a language delay that concerns you, discuss it with your pediatrician. A "wait and see" approach can be detrimental to autism treatment.

Keep an eye on the child's social behavior. Children with autism have difficulty socializing with other children in their age groups. Often, children with autism spectrum disorders like to socialize with adults or children who are not in their age groups.

Look for eating or sleeping issues. Not every child with autism has every symptom, but many have eating or sleeping problems. Many autistic children are very picky eaters, who avoid certain textures or temperatures of food. Children in the spectrum also commonly need less sleep than other children. They may not take naps and wake throughout the night.