Signs and Symptoms

The presentation and severity of symptoms vary widely. Early signs of ASD may be observed in an infant as young as 6 months old. Some common signs and symptoms of ASD include:

• Lack of eye contact

• Not responding appropriately to greetings

• Difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations with others

• Not responding appropriately to others’ gestures and facial expressions

• Difficulty using gestures and facial expressions appropriately

• Appearing to be unaware of others’ feelings

• Not engaging in pretend play

• Preferring to play alone

• Repeating sounds, words, or phrases out of context

• Becoming distressed by minor changes in routines

• Performing repetitive movements, such as hand – flapping or rocking

• Playing with toys in unusual ways, e.g., spinning them or lining them up

• Having unusually strong attachments to particular objects

• Limiting conversations to very specific topics

• Exhibiting oversensitivity to sounds or textures

• Appearing to be indifferent to pain

• Experiencing delays or plateaus in skill development

• Losing previously acquired skills

• Displaying challenging behaviors, such as aggression, tantrums, and self-injury