What are some significant warning signs of autism?
There have been studies that show impairments in social communication can distinguish infants who are later diagnosed with autism. According to research conducted by Drs. Amy Wetherby and Julian Woods at Florida State University, the common warning signs for autism in the second year of life are • Lack of showing • Lack of gestures: pointing, reaching, waving, showing • Lack of sharing interest or enjoyment with others • Repetitive movements with objects • Lack of appropriate eye gaze • Lack of response to name (something parents report very frequently) • Lack of warm, joyful expressions • Unusual prosody (rhythm and intonation of language) • Repetitive movements or posturing of the body Early red flags: If your baby is showing any of these signs, parents should ask their physician for an immediate evaluation: • 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 thereaf
