a handbook for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
I think my infant or toddler may have developmental delays. How do I
know?
The following red flags may indicate that your child is at risk for
developmental problems and is in need of a developmental evaluation. A child
exhibiting any of these “red flags” should be screened to ensure that he or
she is on the right developmental path.
Social and Communication Red Flags
If your baby or toddler is showing any of the following signs, ask your
pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:
As early as
infancy, a baby
can begin to show
the three hallmark
features of Autism:
communication
challenges,
impaired social
interactions, and
repetitive behavior.
No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or
thereafter.
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions
by nine months or thereafter.
No babbling by 12 months.
No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or
waving by 12 months.
No words by 16 months.
No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by
24 months.
Any loss of speech, babbling, or social skills at any age.
The primary care physician or pediatrician can provide a developmental
screening in order to determine whether the child has a developmental delay.
See Appendices A-C for the full diagnostic criteria for Autism and related
disorders.
The Academy of Pediatrics recommends a developmental screening during
each visit. There is a specific screen designed to detect the early signs of
Autism.
- Page 2 -