What are signs of potential autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children?

The signs of potential autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children include delayed speech, difficulty with social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. These characteristics are often observed in children on the autism spectrum and can manifest in various ways.

Delayed speech indicates that a child might not reach typical language milestones at the expected age, which can impact their ability to communicate effectively with peers and adults. Difficulty with social interactions can present as challenges in understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, or engaging in play with others, which are essential for developing relationships. Repetitive behaviors may include actions such as hand-flapping, rocking, or insistence on following specific routines, reflecting a preference for sameness and predictability.

In contrast, options focusing on exceptional academic performance and advanced social skills, highly sociable behavior and adaptability, or unchanged routines and behaviors do not align with the typical signs of ASD. ASD is characterized more by challenges in these areas rather than strengths, which makes option A the most accurate representation of the signs associated with autism. Understanding these signs is crucial for early identification and intervention, which can greatly improve outcomes for children with ASD.