Autism's Warning Signs

By: Mary Ellen Egan

March 22, 2007

Children begin exhibiting signs of autism as early as a year old. Although screening for the disease doesn’t begin until the child is 16 months old, these warning signs in a child’s development could indicate a potential problem.

--No big smiles or other joyful expressions by six months or thereafter.

--No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter.

--No babbling by 12 months.

--No back-and-forth babbling by 12 months.

--No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months.

--No words by 16 months.

--No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months.

--Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age.

Source: Forbes