Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect between 1 in 54 children and are more common in boys than in girls, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many children are diagnosed with autism—which is a neurobiological disorder affecting a child’s communication skills and behavior—between the ages of 18 months and 30 months.

Pediatricians are now screening kids for ASD at 18 months and 24 months of age.

Toddlers exhibiting signs of autism might have 1 or more of the following symptoms:

• Limited ability or difficulty with communication, both verbal and nonverbal
• Decreased social interactions in general (not smiling, pointing, etc.)
• Repetitive behaviors that surpass the normal toddler wish to do things “again”
• Restricted activities or interests

If you notice any of these behaviors in your child, talk to your pediatrician. Early diagnosis and treatment of autism can make a difference in a child’s development and ability to overcome autism’s challenges.

See also ...

• Autism spectrum disorder – from the National Institutes of Health
• The Autism Info Center – from the CDC

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