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| Red FlagsAutism looks different from person-to-person, even within the same family. The red flags below give examples of some common signs of autism. Note: This list is not meant to be comprehensive, nor should it take the place of diagnosis from a qualified professional. It is intended as a starting point for families to use in a conversation with your provider. Late Talking, Not Talking or Repeating Words/PhrasesChildren with autism may not learn to talk at the same rate as peers. Some children may learn, but later lose language skills. Others may not use spoken language at all. Some autistic children repeat words or phrases (echolalia). Children with dyslexia may also develop spoken language later than peers. Understanding Verbal & Nonverbal CommunicationSome children with autism have trouble understanding simple questions or directions. Children may also struggle to notice or understand nonverbal cues, like shrugging or moving away. Some children may have trouble understanding communication because of dyslexia or attention issues/ADHD. Emotions and ExpressionsChildren with autism may have difficulty sharing and understanding emotions. Children may also have a limited range of facial expressions or expressions that don’t match what they are feeling. Children with anxiety, attention issues or other mental health concerns may also struggle to share and understand emotions. Anxious children, in particular, may have expressions that don’t match feelings. Eye ContactSome autistic children may avoid or limit eye contact. Anxious children may also limit eye contact to avoid being noticed. Children with attention issues or ADHD may struggle to maintain focused eye contact. Differences with Sharing InterestsAutistic children may not point to or bring items to show a caregiver. It may also be difficult for autistic children to respond to things that others point out. Children with attention issues or ADHD may also find it difficult to pay attention to others. Children with anxiety may avoid sharing with others. Playing Alone or Parallel PlayAutistic children may prefer to play alone or parallel (next to peers). Many autistic children are interested in peers but can struggle to engage others. Anxious children may also play alone or avoid peers. Different Ways of PlayingChildren with autism may play differently than peers. Some children may not use pretend play (for example, feeding a doll, playing dress-up). Others may use toys differently (lining up, spinning wheels, creating categories etc.). Social DifferencesAutistic children may struggle with social rules, such as taking turns, interrupting, or monopolizing a conversation. Children with attention issues or ADHD can also struggle with social rules. Difficulties with TransitionsAutistic children may find it difficult to transition between different activities. Without support, some children may struggle with common transitions, like starting a bedtime routine or washing up for dinner. Children with anxiety may have difficulty transitioning to activities – especially when they are worried about an activity. Children with attention issues/ADHD and children with some learning disabilities may also struggle with transitions. This happens because of lagging executive function skills. Difficulty with Changes to RoutinesChildren with autism may develop specific routines and become extremely upset when those routines are disrupted. Anxious children (particularly children with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) can also become very upset when routines are disrupted. Sensitivity to DetailsChildren with autism can become more involved in details of certain interests than peers. Examples may include a child who knows every fact about horses or trains. Fascination with details can also include playing with specific parts of a toy (ex: spinning wheels on a car) without using the toy as a whole. Children with attention issues or ADHD can also become hyper-focused with details. When this happens, the child may forget about other things, like eating or sleeping. Sensory DifferencesAutistic children often have sensory differences. They may have too much sensory input (avoiders) or too little (seekers). Sensory differences can happen with other diagnoses or on their own too. |
Autism can be a stand-alone diagnosis, or it can co-occur with other diagnoses, including intellectual disabilities, anxiety and other mental health concerns, ADHD, learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), and some neurological conditions. Some autistic children are also gifted. Research has also begun to show links between autism and gender-diversity/expansiveness.
Back to the Autism Resource Guide.