Autism now affects 1 in 68 children. When I first started in this field over 10 years ago it was 1 in 150. An early diagnosis is key to helping people with autism receive the services they need.
The following “red flags” may indicate a child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, please don’t delay in asking your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation:
-No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
-No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
-No babbling by 12 months
-No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
-No words by 16 month
-No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 month
-Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
For more information about signs/symptoms or autism resources, visit Autism Speaks.
