Autism: red flags
Melanie Goulet - Senior Therapist, B.A.
Autism is treatable but early intervention is critical. Here is a list
of some of the red flags you should be aware of:
- Lack of babbling skills by the age of 11 months. Loss or lack of single
words by 16 months.
- Repetitive and/or stereotypic behaviours such as rocking, hand flapping,
toe walking, lining items up, insistence on sameness or routines (rituals
with activities always being performed in the same manner and if this does
not occur or it is interrupted a tantrum will occur), preoccupations with
unusual interests such as fans, wheels and/or spinning items.
- Lack of early social skill development such as not responding when name
is called, not playing appropriately with toys as designed, not engaging
in pretend play, lack of joint attention (the child gains others' attention
by pointing, gazing and/or showing things in their environment as a means
of non-verbal communication and visa versa), prefers to play alone and
not responding to peers requests to play.
If you suspect your child has autism please contact your pediatrician immediately
to have them assessed, as early intervention is the key to future success.
Once diagnosed, contact the IBI staff at Your Health Wellness Centre to
help us plan your early intervention or for more intervention.