According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in every 59 children has autism spectrum disorder. However, the National Autism Center explains that autism presents differently for every child, with symptoms focusing on social and communication impairments and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. While this can make the condition difficult to diagnose, you can get a head start by looking out for the following signs.

How to Tell a Child May Have Autism

1. Social Signs

Some social cues may indicate a child has autism. Babies and toddlers with autism might not show an array of facial expressions or respond to your expressions. As children age, they also may be particularly attached to one object or refuse to show or share toys with others. While none of these signs alone indicate autism, when a child presents with several signs, you may want to discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.

2. Behavioral Signs

Autistic children thrive on routine and rituals and struggle with transitions. They may be especially sensitive to sounds, smells, or lights, and they might exhibit repetitive behavior, such as hand flapping, rocking, or twirling fingers. They may also focus on participating in just one or a few activities rather than playing and participating in different ones.

3. Communication Signs

Delayed communication in babies and toddlers, when paired with other symptoms, could be a sign of autism spectrum disorder. Children may avoid eye contact or experience delays in developing speech. Specifically, they may not use any single-word phrases by the age of 12 months or any simple sentences by age two. Likewise, children on the spectrum might not be responsive to cues, such as touch, sounds, or their names. Additionally, autistic children may use fewer nonverbal cues to communicate, such as pointing.

If your child shows signs of autism spectrum disorder, contact Compass Innovative Behavior Strategies in Concord, Marlborough, or Nashua, NH. Their staff of highly trained ABA professionals uses data-driven strategies to treat autism and other developmental delays. Families can participate in clinic-based ABA therapy as well as the Compass Classroom, which is a collaborative classroom built within local school districts. To learn more about their available services, call (603) 488-5008 or visit their website.