The following red flags could indicate a child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, ask a 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 months
- No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
- Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
Sources: Centers for Disease Control, Autism Speaks, Autism Society
Resources for local families:
- Autism Society, Dayton chapter: www.autismsociety-dayton.org
- Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati: www.autismcincy.org
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