EARLY SIGNS – Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed when an individual displays underdeveloped or atypical social-communicative behavior and unusually repetitive behavior or restricted interests. Some common indicators (Early Signs) of a possible autism spectrum disorder include:

     • Not responding to their name by 12 months of age
     • Not pointing at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
     • Not playing “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months
     • Avoiding eye contact 
     • Having trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
     • Repeating words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
     • Giving unrelated answers to questions
     • Getting upset by minor changes
     • Having obsessive interests
     • Flapping their hands, rocking their body, or spinning in circles
     • Having unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel

If you are a concerned parent or caregiver seeking a diagnosis or therapy for your child or relative, we can refer you to the Autism Spectrum Assessment Clinic (ASAC).  For more information about ASAC located at the University of Miami visit: umasac.psy.miami.edu.  Please call 305.284.6140 to make an appointment or email asac@miami.edu for more information.