When parents are expecting a child, they wish for a happy and healthy baby above all else. They often think about things like the right number of toes or what color eyes they’ll have, but parents often don’t think about autism.

However, this is something that is becoming a reality for more and more families, with more and more children being diagnosed, The current figure being one in every 150 children. The answers are unclear, but there are some signs parents can look for during the early years of life if they suspect something might be wrong. Here’s where an autism checklist comes in handy so they can compare some common signs to the actions of their child.

Most children with autism are diagnosed before they start school. Children classed as having classic autism are often diagnosed very early, but other types of autism might be harder to pinpoint.

Some children develop autism tendencies after they have had normal emotional growth but then regresses. Others have high functioning autism, and the signs are harder to pick out. There are, however, some common signs that are the same for all children with autism, though the degree to which they affect them can be different. When looking for signs of autism, the most common should be addressed first, and then the secondary and more variable signs can be considered.

Common signs:

- Problems relating to others can be noticed by a lack of holding eye contact with anyone.
- Repetitive motions like rocking, hand actions, or patterned manipulation of toys.
- Child shows preference for being alone most of the time. Does not interact with peers.
- Tantrums resulting from very small changes in routine.

Signs that vary from child to child:

- Speech problems range from severe to barely noticeable. Some speak quite well.
- Unusual reaction to stimulus. The reaction can be too severe or there may be no reaction at all.
- Lack of interest in most things that children like to explore and notice.
- Unusual speaking patterns like repeating the same words over and over.
- Unable to toilet train, or regression after training was successful.

Those children who have high function autism might get to school age before a difference is noticed. They probably have a very extensive vocabulary, and their interactions with peers might have been limited. Parents or caregivers may have dismissed the problems they have because they were not too troubling or seemed to be a part of their personality. However, once they reach school age, the problems with socialization with peers becomes apparent, and because school is a very social type of situation, they will begin to have problems that may not have been noticed before. These children generally have short attention spans, and are often uninterested in pleasing the teacher or playing with friends.

Keep reading to sign up for the free Autism newsletter that addresses the signs and symptoms of autism and discover the natural treatment options available.

Whether parents or caregivers notice that a child has some of the signs detailed on an autism checklist at age one or age five, it is important to seek help from a doctor for a diagnosis.

There are many programs out there that can help autistic children overcome some of the hurdles that stop them from socializing and learning, and the earlier this is noticed and diagnosed the better.

Autistic children who are given treatment at an early age show better results after going through programs and treatment. This can mean a happier and healthier adulthood and less stress on the parents in the long run.

If you feel your child meets the criteria on the autism checklist above make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

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Written By Rachel Evans

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter for more information on autism checklist. In the newsletter you'll find out more about the signs and symptoms of autism.

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