100 ASD and Early Intervention

Although the presence of early indicators does not necessarily mean an individual has ASD, it should be an indication of the need to screen for the disorder and/or other possible delays. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP, 2020) has provided specific guidelines and recommendations to physicians related to the need for developmental monitoring and screening at regular intervals. Further, the CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. Campaign provides resources and information inclusive of milestone checklists and other information for families to use in tracking their child’s development (CDC, 2019)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2009), the following are some of the early indicators of ASD and individuals may exhibit one or more:

Possible Early Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Does not babble, point, or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age
• Does not speak one word by 16 months
• Does not combine two words by 2 years
• Does not respond to name
• Loses language or social skills
• Exhibits poor eye contact
• Doesn’t seem to know how to play with toys
• Excessively lines up toys or other objects
• Is attached to one particular toy or object
• Doesn’t smile
• At times seems to be hearing impaired

Additional early indicators of ASD are illustrated in the HANDS in Autism® screening poster.

References

 CDC Community Report 2020: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm-community-report/index.html

Hyman, S. L., Levy, S. E., & Myers, S. M. (2020). Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics, 145(1). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-3447

National Institute of Mental Health (2020): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml