Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can appear at different times and are different for each individual. The symptoms provided below are common ones found in those with autism.

Symptoms usually fall within one of the two following categories:

• Social Communication Challenges

• Restrictive / Repetitive Behaviours

Social Communication Challenges

• Little eye contact

• Repeating certain words or phrases (echolalia)

• Nonverbal communication or delayed language development

• Showing more interest in objects than people

• Appearing not to hear when spoken to directly

• Expressing emotions / recognizing others’ emotions

• Feeling overwhelmed in social situations

Restrictive / Repetitive Behaviours

• Playing with toys in an unusual matter

• Repetitive movements with fingers, hands, arms, or head

• Issues such as self-injury or self-isolation

• Liking to have things a certain way, such as always eating the same food

• Repetitive daily routines

• Repetitive behaviours such as spinning

• Strong reactions to:

  • Lights

  • Tastes

  • Smells

  • Textures

  • Colours

  • Sounds

If your child exhibits the above symptoms, please contact your family doctor/pediatrician to arrange an appointment.

Visit this link for more information on what to do.

Information taken from:

• The Government of Canada website and Autism Speaks