| This autism toddler checklist is a quick review of | | | | - lack of smile (keep in mind that newborns don't |
| behaviors that parents can watch for in their | | | | usually smile for a few weeks after birth |
| children. Autism is a neurological disorder that | | | | - dislikes cuddling |
| affects the development of toddlers and there is | | | | - poor imagination when playing |
| no cure, however, it is possible to reduce the | | | | - dislikes playing with others |
| symptoms. Treatments are more effective the | | | | - loner - difficulty making friends (or no desire to |
| earlier they are administered. That is why it is | | | | make friends) |
| critical for parents, all parents, to know what | | | | - no separation anxiety when not around his/her |
| behaviors to monitor for, especially since autism | | | | mother |
| affects 1 in 150 babies born. | | | | - very independent |
| Symptoms can be identified at an early age, | | | | - prefers to play alone |
| usually between 18 and 36 months. Mild | | | | - attacks other children for no apparent reason. |
| symptoms can also be apparent at an earlier age, | | | | This is common with autism in toddlers |
| and sometimes in infancy. Parents should | | | | - lack of conversational skills |
| document any signs of autism to present to a | | | | - does not appear to hear sometimes |
| doctor in the future to help make a diagnosis as | | | | - repeats words |
| quickly as possible. | | | | - uses strange language |
| Below is a list of autism symptoms that parents | | | | - no talking |
| should monitor for and document if your toddler | | | | - repeating only the words they hear |
| displays any. | | | | - mix up pronouns ("I", "you", and "we") |
| - unresponsive to their name | | | | - strange activities and interests |
| - will not make eye contact | | | | - repeats motions (staring, swaying, etc. |