Know the signs…Act early! 

The following are general developmental areas for special consideration in identifying autism spectrum disorder:

• difficulty relating to others or lack of social interest

• play lacks creativity or symbolic quality (child may prefer concrete activities vs. pretend)

• not follow another’s perspective or interest in his/her surroundings (by pointing, shifting eye gaze, or gaining another’s attention)

• may show interest in toys or people, but does not seem to engage in back-and-forth play

• insists on rigid, structured routines or sequence of events

• has trouble expressing wants and needs using appropriate eye contact, gestures, or verbal communication 

Here is a guideline of typical child development at early ages and stages, which has been compiled from various professional resources.


By 12 months, a child will likely:
 ■ say 3-5 words
 ■ recognize and respond to his/her name
 ■ understand simple directions/adult gestures
 ■ initiate familiar words, gestures, sounds
 ■ understand names for common objects 

By 18 months, a child will likely:
■ identify objects in a picture book
 ■ laugh at silly actions of others
 ■ follow simple 1 step instructions
 ■ beginning pretend play with objects
■ say 8-10 understood words
 ■ call for mother or father
 ■ compete with other children for a toy
 ■ recognize self in mirror or photos
 ■ bring toy to adult to initiate play 

By 24 months, a child will likely:
 ■ explore new toys and surroundings
 ■ point to 5+ parts on self or doll
 ■ demonstrate vocabulary of several hundred words
 ■ use 2-3 word sentences
 ■ use communication to comment or ask about surroundings
 ■ show awareness of adult’s approval or disapproval
 ■ begin to use pronouns/possessives (me, mine)

For more information about Early Signs, please go to www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly

For more ages and stages and to watch comparison videos, please go to www.autismspeaks.org and log onto their video glossary.

Home l Early Signs l Diagnostic Evaluation Center l Schedule Appointment

What We Know l Programs & Services l Training & Education l Donations/Events

 

6215 Lorraine Road, Bradenton, Florida 34202 l 941-758-4529