If you have concerns re: the development of your child…the best thing you can do is to take action right away. Trust me, I know it’s hard…it requires admitting something is wrong. I was in denial for a good 6-8 months. If I could go back, I’d surely have Jake in speech, OT, etc during that time period.
Key things to looks out for:
1.) Acts deaf…doesn’t respond when called.
2.) Seems as if in own world – activities happen around them, but they don’t show interest or participate
3.) 12 -18 months: No language…or loss of language.
4.) Inappropriate play: spins wheels, rolls toys back in forth in front of eyes, plays with parts of toys vs. the whole
These were the tell all signs for me. Here is a link to the diagnostic criteria for autism:
http://www.autism-biomed.org/dsm-iv.htm
If this set of criteria even remotely describes your child…contact your public school system regarding a speech evaluation. That’s the best way to get the ball rolling into the services you need.
First Signs