The Warning Signs of Aspergers
Moms and dads should ask their youngster’s doctor for referral to a developmental pediatrician for assessment if there are concerns with any of the following... Communication Red Flags: Loss of any language or social skills at any age No babbling by 11 months of age No response when name is called, causing concern about hearing No simple gestures by 12 months (e.g., waving bye-bye) No single words by 16 months No two-word phrases by 24 months (noun + verb – e.g., “baby sleeping”) Behavioral Red Flags: Compulsions or rituals (has to perform activities in a special way or certain sequence; is prone to tantrums if rituals are interrupted) Lacks interest in toys, or plays with them in an unusual way (e.g., lining up, spinning, opening/closing parts rather than using the toy as a whole) Odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hand Oversensitive to certain textures, sounds or lights Preoccupations with unusual interests, such as light switches, doors, fans, whee