18 Month Old Autism Checklist

1. Delayed or Lack of Speech:

One of the key signs to watch for at 18 months is a delay or complete lack of speech development. Children may not be using single words or simple gestures to communicate their needs or wants.

2. Limited Eye Contact:

Another important indicator is limited eye contact or avoidance of eye contact. Children may not engage in sustained eye contact during interactions or may seem disinterested in visual stimuli.

3. Lack of Social Smiling:

Absence of social smiling, where a child does not smile in response to others' smiles or attempts to engage socially. This may indicate difficulty in connecting with others and forming social bonds.

4. Repetitive Behaviors:

Look for repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, spinning objects, or rocking back and forth. These behaviors often serve as self-stimulating activities and can be a sign of autism.

5. Lack of Pointing or Gesturing:

Children typically start pointing or using simple gestures around 12 to 14 months. A lack of pointing or gesturing may suggest a delay in social communication skills.

6. Difficulty in Joint Attention:

Joint attention refers to the ability to share interest or attention with others. Notice if the child has difficulty following a point or sharing attention during play or activities.

7. Unresponsiveness to Name:

Children with autism may not respond consistently when their name is called. Pay attention to their reaction or lack thereof when their name is spoken.

8. Lack of Pretend Play:

Pretend play involves using objects symbolically and engaging in imaginative play. Children with autism may show limited interest or engagement in pretend play activities.

9. Sensory Sensitivities:

Observe if the child is overly sensitive or avoids certain sensory stimuli, such as loud noises or textures. Sensory sensitivities are common in individuals with autism.

10. Unusual Fixations:

Take note if the child demonstrates intense fixations or obsessions with specific objects or topics. Unusual fixations can be a sign of restricted interests often seen in autism.

11. Difficulty with Transitions:

Notice if the child struggles with transitions from one activity or environment to another. Difficulties in adapting to changes in routine or environment can be indicative of autism.

12. Lack of Social Imagination:

Children with autism may have difficulty engaging in imaginative or pretend play scenarios involving others. Look for signs of limited creativity or inflexibility in play activities.

13. Delayed Motor Skills:

Check for any delays in gross motor skills (e.g., walking, running) or fine motor skills (e.g., picking up small objects, scribbling). Motor skill delays may accompany other autism symptoms.

14. Unusual Sensory Seeking:

Some children with autism may seek out certain sensory experiences excessively, such as spinning, jumping, or seeking pressure. Notice if the child engages in repetitive sensory-seeking behaviors.

15. Regression or Loss of Skills:

Regression refers to the loss of previously acquired skills, such as language or social abilities. Be aware of any significant regression or loss of milestones that the child had previously achieved.