Health Tip: Recognize Early Signs of Autism

Autism may be detected at an early age by paying attention to your baby’s social and language skills, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.

But all children who have autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will not have the same symptoms or severity, the academy notes.

Still, the academy says parents should monitor for these possible warning signs:

A child at 12 months with autism or ASDmay not turn to look after her name is called several times.
A child at 18 months with delayed speech skillsmay point, gesture or use facial expressions to compensate for speech delays.
A child at 18 months may limit speech to repeating what is heard on TV or to what was just said.
A child at 24 months might not make eye contact or appear to share in the pleasure of playing together.

Source: HealthDay