Autism warning signs

Sunday, April 15, 2007 2:25 AM CDT

HED: How to recognize it

This is Autism Awareness Month, and if you're wondering whether a child you know is autistic, you're wondering what signs to look for. Any good source, such as the National Institute for Mental Health, will give you a long list of symptoms, but Vicki Martin, a nurse at the Autism Recovery and Comprehensive Health center, says there are three key symptoms.

n Lack of pointing by 12 months, especially to indicate what he wants and to look at what a parent is pointing out.

n Not responding to name by 12 or 15 months.

n Lack of pretend play.

If parents know this, and even pediatricians at the 18-month check, many more autistic children may be found early to treatment can be started.

These are independent of language, which can come at any time. Autism isn't a language disorder, said Dr. Greg Brown of the ARCH Center. It's a communication disorder, and that concept includes much more than just language.

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