Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed as soon as 15-18 months. About 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with ASD according to the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring. Children on the spectrum often lack communication, social and emotional skills. Help your family and friends to look for the following Red Flags/signs:
Avoids eye contact
Lack of response to name
Lack of interest or enjoyment in toys, activities or person
Repeats words or phrases said to them
Lack of ability to express their wants/needs using typical words or gestures
Repetitive movement with or without objects
Not play “pretend” games.
Have obsessive interest
Lack of awareness in the environment, and little safety skills.
Prefers to be alone or not be held or cuddled
Get upset by tiniest changes in their daily routine