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Possible early indicators of autism are listed here. The young child who has autism:
1. May appear to be deaf. Does not have typical startle response. Does not turn when
you come into the room. Seems unaware of sounds in the room, etc.
2. May be an extremely "good" baby - seldom cries, is not demanding, seems very
content to be alone OR is a very fussy, colicky baby - cries a lot, has sleep
problems, is not easily comforted.
3. May "hand-gaze," look at lights through fingers, or have other self-stimulatory
behavior.
4. May be a fussy eater.
5. Does not have anticipatory response. Does not extend his/her arms to be picked up.
Does not seem to want to be held.
6. Seems to avoid actively looking at people.
7. Seems to "tune out" a lot. Is not aware of what is happening around him/her.
8. Wants things to "stay the same." May have difficulty adapting to winter coat or boots.
Wants to wear the same clothes. Does not want furniture or toys to be "out of place."
9. Does not begin to talk or use words in a communicative way at the appropriate age.
Fails to develop language or uses echolalic speech without really understanding the
meaning of the words.
10. Often seems to be a perfectionist. Wants everything to be "just right." If he/she tries
to make something work and it does not, he/she gets upset and will quit, or will get
angry and refuse to try the activity again.
11. Often has "splinter skills" in areas like music, or can do puzzles extremely well, or has excellent gross motor skills, or is very interested in numbers and letters.
12. May have very high tolerance for pain. May get hurt but not come to an adult for
comfort.
13. May become very upset by changes in routine.
14. May not spontaneously imitate the play of other children.
15. May have difficulty applying information from one setting to another.
16. May experience extreme sensory sensitivity.
Source: Minnesota Autism Network
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