Early signs of autism and what to do if you notice them
Early signs appear in children up to the age of 2, and if you notice them in a child, it is necessary to seek the help of a specialist.
Body
If the child:
- does not make eye contact
- does not respond when called by name
- doesn't return your smile
- does not use a demonstrative gesture
- does not use a greeting gesture
- is not looking in the direction you are showing him or her / for example you are showing the plane in the sky
- does not indicate things to share his/her interest in them with you
- does not develop speech and language
- repeats words and phrases over and over again (echolalia)
- lines up toys in a specific way / for example in a string
- is only interested in a part of the toy / for example only on the wheels on the car
- has unusual and frequent body movements - flutters hands, spins, swings, walks on toes
- upset by small changes in the environment
If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to contact the child's doctor/pediatrician, who has the opportunity to refer you for further diagnosis to health institutions that deal with these developmental problems.
