Parents may want to contact their pediatrician for a screening if their child shows some of the behaviors listed below:

Problems with Social Interaction:

  • Poor eye contact

  • Not responding to his/her name

  • Not pointing out items of interest

  • Prefers to be alone rather than around other people or children

Problems with Communication:

  • Limited or no language

  • Difficulty starting or having a conversation

  • Not playing make-believe with toys

Repetitive or Obsessive Behaviors:

  • Repetitive play (e.g., spinning toy car wheels, lining up toys, etc.)

  • Unusual obsessions (e.g., only wanting to wear truck shirts, only wanting to use the color green, etc.)

  • Repetitive speech/sounds or body movements (e.g., hand flapping, jumping in place, etc.)