Red Flags of Autism

The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder, and is in need of an immediate evaluation.

In clinical terms, there are a few “absolute indicators,” often referred to as “red flags,” that indicate that a child should be evaluated. For a parent, these are the “red flags” that your child should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path.

Red Flags of Autism Spectrum Disorders:

***If your baby shows two or more of these signs, please ask your pediatric healthcare provider for an immediate evaluation.

#1 Impairment in Social Interaction:

• Lack of appropriate eye gaze
• Lack of warm, joyful expressions
• Lack of sharing interest or enjoyment
• Lack of response to name

#2 Impairment in Communication:

• Lack of showing gestures
• Lack of coordination of nonverbal communication
• Unusual prosody (little variation in pitch, odd intonation, irregular rhythm,
  unusual voice quality)

#3 Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests:

• Repetitive movements with objects
• Repetitive movements or posturing of body, arms, hands, or fingers