According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, there are a number of things that parents, teachers, and others who care for children can look for to determine if a child needs to be evaluated for autism.  This autism quiz asks about ‘red flags’ that could be a sign that a Pediatrician or other health professional should evaluate a child for autism or a related communication disorder.

Keep in mind that other conditions can also cause these symptoms, that you have to consider what your child can do in an age appropriate manner (for example, a 6 month old likely won’t respond to his name), and that normal children can have some of these symptoms and behaviors (like being independent, walking on her toes, or preferring to play alone).

Having one or more of these signs, symptoms, and behaviors should prompt a discussion with your Pediatrician to see if further evaluation needs to be done.

Your child…

1. does not respond to his/her name.

2. cannot explain what he/she wants.

3. has language skills or speech that is delayed.

4. doesn’t follow directions.

5. at times, seems to be deaf.

6. seems to hear sometimes, but not others.

7. doesn’t point or wave goodbye.

8. used to say a few words or babble, but now he/she doesn’t.

9. throws intense or violent tantrums.

10. has odd movement patterns.

11. is hyperactive, uncooperative, or oppositional.

12. doesn’t know how to play with toys.

13. doesn’t smile when smiled at.

14. poor eye contact.

15. gets “stuck” on things over and over and can’t move on to other things.

16. seems to prefer playing alone.

17. gets things for him/herself only.

18. very independent for age.

19. does things “early” compared to other children.

20. seem to be in their own little world.

21. seems to tune people out.

22. is not interested in other children.

23. walks on his/her toes.

24. shows unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules (i.e., always holding a string or having to put socks on before pants).

25. spends a lot of time lining things up or putting things in a certain order.

Keep track of your yes answers, write it down so that you can talk to your pediatrician about it. The more yes answers you have the more likely you will need an evaluation for your child.