There are many different combinations of symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The severity of ASD can also vary from person to person. Most symptoms will appear before 3 years of age with most showing between 18 to 24 months. They may appear at this age because children grow and change rapidly at this stage.
ASD may cause a loss of milestones that were already reached. It can also prevent or slow new milestones. General developmental problems include:
ASD can cause a wide range of behaviors such as:
Trust what you feel. Call your child's doctor if you have any worries about your child's development. Children and their families may benefit from early, intense intervention.
Autism spectrum disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml. Updated March 2018. Accessed August 19, 2019.
Autism spectrum disorders. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113665/Autism-spectrum-disorders. Updated July 1, 2019. Accessed August 19, 2019.
Johnson CP, Myers SM, American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children with Disabilities. Identification and evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics. 2007;120(5):1183-1215.
Signs and symptoms. Autism Society website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/Early-Signs-of-Autism-Spectrum-Disorders.aspx. Accessed August 19, 2019.
Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html. April 26, 2018. Accessed August 19, 2019.
What are the early signs of autism? Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/Early-Signs-of-Autism-Spectrum-Disorders.aspx. Updated September 4, 2015. Accessed August 19, 2019.
Last reviewed December 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD