Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, biological, developmental disability that affects three crucial areas of development-social interaction, communication and behavioral. Autism is a lifelong spectrum disorder meaning it ranges in impairment from mild (or high functioning) to severe.

Common signs or symptoms of ASD are:

Social Interaction

• Poor eye contact
• Lack of interest in peers
• Doesn't show affection (hugs/kisses)
• Lack of social/emotional reciprocity
• Not pointing to objects in books or environment
• Does not respond to parent's smile or facial expressions
• Lack of joint attention (looking at objects parents are looking at or pointing to)
• Doesn't bring toys/objects to parents to share interest or enjoyment

Communication

• Little or no babbling, pointing to objects, using gestures or saying words
• Repeating words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Does not respond to their name
• Cannot start or hold a conversation with others
• No longer saying/using words they once did

Behavioral

• Repetitive behaviors (rocks, spins, flaps hands, twirls fingers)
• Little or no fear of common dangers (running into the street, climbing onto countertops)
• Lack of imaginative play/pretend play
• Difficulty with change in routine
• Looks at toys/objects at odd angles or plays with parts of the toy
• Restricted/limited/abnormal interests
• High pain tolerance
• May be overly sensitive to sounds/smells/touch/lights/textures