Autism Children and Autism Could Your Toddler Have Autism? Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms By Vincent Iannelli, MD | Reviewed by a board-certified physician Updated September 19, 2016 Share Pin Email More in Autism Children and Autism Basics Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Causes Asperger's Syndrome Adult Autism Applied Behavioral Analysis School and Summer Options Hints and Tips Teens and Autism Support for Parents Positive Living Autism and Family Life Glossary View All 1. Does your child respond to his or her name? Yes, she has been doing it since she was 9 months old. No, my baby is over 9 to 12 months old and still doesn't respond to her name. Yes, most of the time she will look at me or babble or something. No, but my baby is still under 9 to 12 months old. 2. Can your child usually explain what he or she wants? Yes, she just points at things. Yes, she just tells me. Not usually. I find it very hard to figure out what she wants. 3. Are your child's language or speech skills delayed? Yes, especially compared to other kids her age. No, I don't think so. Probably, but "boys will be boys," right? 4. Does your child seem to be deaf? Yes, I have often wondered that. No, I'm pretty sure he can hear me. 5. Does your child point or wave bye-bye? No, he never does. Yes, if he is interested in something. Usually, he points if he wants me to see something. Yes, if he wants me to get him something he will point at it. 6. Did your child used to say a few words or babble, but now doesn't anymore? Yes, it seems like he has lost some of his speech. He has lost a few words but has picked up many more. No, he talks very well for his age. 7. Does your child throw intense or violent tantrums? Yes, and it happens a lot. Yes, and he seems extra sensitive to noises that don't bother other people. Sometimes, but so do other kids his age, I think. No, hardly ever. 8. Does your child have any movement patterns that you think are odd? Yes, he likes to flap his arms a lot. No, I don't think so. Yes, he holds his fingers near his eyes and moves them around a lot. 9. Does your child know how to play with toys correctly? No, he seems to think everything is supposed to be a hammer. Yes, he will even talk on his toy phone. 10. Does your child smile when you smile at her? No, he hardly ever smiles when I smile at her. Yes, most of the time, unless he is mad. 11. Does your child have poor eye contact? Yes, I think making eye contact bothers him. No, I don't think so. 12. Does your child get stuck on things over and over and can't seem to move on to other things? Yes, he really likes to stick to his routines. No, he is pretty flexible. 13. Does your child like to play alone? Yes, it is like he is in his own little world. Yes, but he likes others to be around playing next to him. No, he would rather play with others than be alone. 14. Does your child seem very independent for his or her age? Yes, he seems to be more independent than a teenager. No, I don't think so. 15. Does your child seem to be in his or her own little world? Yes, I have often thought this. No, I don't think so. 16. Is your child interested in other children? Yes, he loves playing with other children. No, he doesn't even notice that they are around usually. 17. Is your child a toe walker? Sometimes, but he can walk flat-footed, too. Yes, all of the time. No, not at all. 18. Does your child have unusual attachments to toys, objects, or schedules? Yes, he always likes to play with the same toys and do the same things. No, I don't think so. 19. Does your child spend a lot of time lining things up or putting things in a certain order? Yes, he will line up his cars in the same order for hours. No, I don't think so. 20. Is your child hyperactive, uncooperative, or oppositional? Yes, I often think he might have ADHD. No, he is very calm and cooperative. Sometimes, but not always. Could Your Toddler Have Autism? You got: possible signs of autism Pediatricians should screen all children for autism when they are toddlers.. Tetra Images/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images Your child does seem to have some of the signs and symptoms that should prompt an evaluation for autism or other communication disorder. Be sure to see your pediatrician for further advice and a more detailed evaluation. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean that anything is wrong with your child, but rather that he has some 'red flags' that signal that more of an evaluation should be done. Remember to consider your child's age when considering if these are really signs of autism. For example, it is usually normal to toe walk before age 3 years and some children don't begin to 'wave bye-bye' until they are are 15 months old. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Share Your Results Share Pin Tweet Could Your Toddler Have Autism? You got: probably no signs of autism All children should be screened for autism when they are 18 and 24 months old.. Photo (c) Rosemarie Gearhart Your child doesn't seem to have any of the classic signs or symptoms of autism or other communication disorder. You should still talk to your pediatrician if you think that your child has a developmental problem. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Share Your Results Share Pin Tweet Up Next Up Next Article Should I Have My Child Screened for Autism? Up Next Article Could My Child Have Autism? Check These Symptoms Up Next Article Could My Child Outgrow Autism? Up Next Article Before You Let an Autism Diagnosis Drive You Crazy