Preschool Milestones

Red Flags for Autism

Basic social interaction can be difficult for children with autism spectrum disorders. Many kids on the autism spectrum seem to prefer to live in their own world, remain aloof and detached from others.

Appears disinterested or unaware of other people or what’s going on around him
Doesn’t know how to connect with others, play, or make friends
Prefers not to be touched, held, or cuddled
Doesn’t play "pretend" games, engage in group games, imitate others, or use toys in creative ways

Has trouble understanding or talking about feelings
Doesn’t seem to hear when others talk to her
Doesn't share interests or achievements with others (drawings, toys)

Signs and symptoms of speech and language difficulties in Autism.

Children with autism spectrum disorders have difficulty with speech and language. Often, they start talking late.

Speaks in an abnormal tone of voice, or with an odd rhythm or pitch (e.g. ends every sentence as if asking a question)
Repeats the same words or phrases over and over
Responds to a question by repeating it, rather than answering it
Refers to himself in the third person

Uses language incorrectly (grammatical errors, wrong words)
Has difficulty communicating needs or desires
Doesn’t understand simple directions, statements, or questions
Takes what is said too literally (misses undertones of humor, irony, and sarcasm)

Signs and symptoms of nonverbal communication difficulties in Autism

Children with autism spectrum disorders have trouble picking up on subtle nonverbal cues and using body language. This makes the "give-and-take" of social interaction very difficult.

Avoids eye contact
Uses facial expressions that don't match what he or she is saying
Doesn’t pick up on other people’s facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures
Makes very few gestures (such as pointing)

May come across as cold or “robot-like”
Reacts unusually to sights, smells, textures, and sounds
May be especially sensitive to loud noises
Abnormal posture, clumsiness, or eccentric ways of moving (e.g. walking exclusively on tiptoe)

Signs and symptoms of inflexibility in Autism

Children with autism spectrum disorders are often restricted, inflexible, and even obsessive in their behaviors, activities and interests.

Follows a rigid routine (e.g. insists on taking a specific route to school)
Has difficulty adapting to any changes in schedule or environment (e.g. throws a tantrum if the furniture is rearranged or bedtime is at a different time than usual)
Unusual attachments to toys or strange objects such as keys, light switches, or rubber bands
Obsessively lines things up or arranges them in a certain order
Preoccupation with a narrow topic of interest, often involving numbers or symbols (e.g. memorizing and reciting facts about maps, train schedules, or sports statistics)

Spends long periods of time arranging toys in specific ways, watching moving objects such as a ceiling fan, or focusing on one specific part of an object such as the wheels of a toy car
Repeats the same actions or movements over and over again, such as flapping hands, rocking, or twirling (known as self-stimulatory behavior, or “stimming”). Some researchers and clinicians believe that these behaviors may soothe children with autism more than stimulate them

Common self-stimulatory behaviors:

Hand flapping
Rocking back and forth
Spinning in a circle
Finger flicking
Head banging
Staring at lights
Moving fingers in front of the eyes
Snapping fingers

Tapping ears
Scratching
Lining up toys
Spinning objects
Wheel spinning
Watching moving objects
Flicking light switches on and off
Repeating words or noises

If your child is demonstrating some of these signs and/or symptoms, or you are concerned about your child about your child at any age, please contact your doctor immediately.

Recent Reviews

What people are saying about CTFRC

CTFRC Parent

We received physiotherapy for our daughter who was being considered for a helmet for plagiocephaly. From our first appointment to our last, we received wonderful care. The staff at CTFRC were always very friendly, welcoming, and had a great spirit. The Physiotherapist was very kind, gentle and provided us with so much knowledge!

The outlet to have a professional available for help and advice and direction was key in our success, along with the tips, tools and education I received. They are so great at checking in and making sure I know there are supports, if necessary.

Having someone to talk me through the stages and calm my nerves about [my child's] development is what helped me the most. the sessions were always super informative and gave great advice on what to work on with [my child]. Just having the peace of mind that we were on the right track. I appreciate the service so much and I would recommend to any concerned parent!

Red Flags for Autism

Signs and symptoms of speech and language difficulties in Autism.

Signs and symptoms of nonverbal communication difficulties in Autism

Signs and symptoms of inflexibility in Autism

Common self-stimulatory behaviors:

Join us for a community or family workshop!

CTFRC provides a number of workshops to the community and families / caregivers. Two of our most popular workshops are included here. Click for more info or to register for an upcoming session!

Recent Reviews

What people are saying about CTFRC

CTFRC Parent

CTFRC Parent

CTFRC Parent

We provide support for children, their families, and their communities.

address

contact

socials