These red flags can only be used as a guideline as many typically developing children display some of these traits and no child will display all of these traits.

We suggest making an appointment with a paediatrician or psychologist as only a professional can properly diagnose a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Download our Autism Spectrum Disorder Red Flag Brochure

Communication

Red Flags

• Delayed age appropriate speech (babbling by 11 months, single words 16 months; or 2-word phrases by 24 months)

• Loss of acquired speech at any age

• May not use or understand basic hand gestures such as waving

• Echoes words or phrases – Echolalia

• Unresponsive to their name being called

• Constantly talks about obsessive interests
  

Social Interaction

Red Flags

• Little or no eye contact

• More interested in looking at objects than people's faces

• Inappropriate laughing or giggling

• May not like to cuddle

• Relies on self calming measures  

• Unable to imitate adults or children

• Poor pretend play skills

• Unusual or repetitive play

• Does not point to show interest in something

• Seems to prefer to play alone

• Facial expressions may be unanimated

• Brings items to someone only when assistance is needed

• May seem distant towards their family members

• May seem like they are in their own world

• Difficulty in understanding the feelings of others

Behaviour

Red Flags

• No real fear of dangers

• Spins objects or self

• Lining up toys or objects

• Tip toe walking

• Arm or hand flapping

• Temper Tantrums

• Compulsions or rituals where the child may have to perform activities in a certain way or sequence

• High pain tolerance

• Inappropriate attachment to objects

• Uneven gross and fine motor skills

• Resistant to change

• Insistent on routines

• Preoccupation with objects such as fans, wheels, etc.

• Sensory issues

• Self-Injurious behaviour

• Sleep issues

• Limited food preferences

• Special interest in letters or numbers