This video explains traits associated with mild Autism or Asperger’s.

Wende Parsley, M. Ed.

LESS SEVERE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IS HARDER TO DIAGNOSE
TODDLERS
• No babbling by age 1 year
• No single words by age 16 months
• No 2 word phrases by age 2 years
• Doesn’t respond to their name—had hearing checked
• Loss of language skills
• Poor eye contact—babies stare at mothers’ faces and eyes
• No smiling—babies smile when smiled at
• No social responsiveness—beyond being shy
• Issues with textures or tastes—abnormal gag reflex; Anthony and potatoes

YOUNG CHILDREN
• Uses few gestures
• Flat robot-like voice
• Impaired ability to make friends
• Impaired ability to converse with others
• The absence of imaginative or social play repetitive or unusual language—echoing, telling different people the same info.
• Preoccupation with certain objects
• Inflexible adherence to rituals or routines
• Wants to be alone
• Cannot be comforted
• Upset by changes

OLDER CHILDREN
• Abnormally intense or focused language
• Preoccupation with certain subjects
• Inflexible adherence to rituals or routines
• Wants to be alone
• Facial expressions are not appropriate
• Cannot “read” facial expressions
• Upset by changes
• Trouble understanding emotions
• Use few gestures

OTHER SYMPTOMS (ALL AGES)
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Short attention span
• Aggression
• Self-injury
• Temper tantrums/ meltdowns
• Unusual eating or sleeping habits
• Unusual moods
• Unusual emotional reactions
• Lack of fear/ extreme fear
• Unusual reactions to sights, sounds, tastes, or textures
• Digestive issues: constipation, diarrhea
• Overly organized
• Messy, unorganized, destructive