Frequently grandparents are the first family members to detect that their grandchild may have developmental issues. These “Red Flag” behaviors from the Autism Navigator website are currently identified as early signs in children who are at risk for an autism diagnosis.
Social Communication
- Limited use of gestures such as giving, showing, waving, clapping, pointing, or nodding their head
- Delayed speech or no social babbling/chatting
- Makes odd sounds or has an unusual tone of voice
- Difficulty using eye contact, gestures, and sounds or words all at the same time
- Little or no pretending or imitating of other people
- Stopped using words that they used to say
- Uses another person’s hand as a tool (e.g., putting parent’s hand on a jar for them to open the lid)
Social Interaction
- Does not look right at people or hard to get them to look at you
- Does not share warm, joyful expressions
- Does not respond when someone calls their name
- Does not draw your attention to things or show you things they’re interested in
- Does not share enjoyment or interests with others
Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests
- Unusual ways of moving their hands, fingers, or whole body
- Develops rituals such as lining objects up or repeating things over and over
- Very focused on or attached to unusual kinds of objects such as strips of cloth, wooden spoons, rocks, vents, or doorstops
- Excessive interest in particular objects, actions, or activities that interferes with social interaction
- Unusual sensory interests such as sniffing objects or looking out of the corner of their eye
- Over- or under-reaction to certain sounds, textures, or other sensory input
