top of page
Image by Robo Wunderkind

Early Warning Signs

If you have ever had concerns about your child’s development, you are not alone, and having occasional apprehensions about their physical, emotional, behavioral, language, or cognitive development is a natural part of parenting. However, when there are noticeable deviations in their development, follow your instincts and share your observations with those who can help, sooner rather than later. When a parent or caregiver denies the existence of a need in their child, they have become the biggest barrier to that child reaching their fullest potential. Our goal as parents is to provide our children with the tools necessary to become successful and independent adults that are assets to society. Early intervention is the key that can unlock the tools your child needs to improve their developmental outcome and it works!

Behavioral Warning Signs of
Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Stares into space, rocks body, or talks to self more often than other children of the same age 
• Does not seek love & approval from a caregiver or parent
• Difficulty transitioning from one activity to another
• Tantrums/Meltdowns
• Focuses on unusual objects for long periods of time; enjoys this more than interacting with others 
• Avoids or rarely makes eye contact with others
• Gets unusually frustrated when trying to do simple tasks that most children of the same age can do
• Shows aggressive behaviors & acting out & appears to be very stubborn children compared with other
• Does not pay attention or stay focused on an activity for as long a time as other children of the same age
• Displays violent behaviors on a daily basis

Sensory Processing Disorder

• Avoids eating certain food or wearing certain clothes
• Does not notice pain or is slow to respond when hurt
• Resists cuddling, arches back away from the person holding him/her
• “Floppy” body, bumps into things and has poor balance
• Overly sensitive to stimulation, overreacts to or does not like touch, noise, smells, etc.
• Unaware of being touched/bumped unless done with extreme force/intensity.
• Sudden mood changes and temper tantrums that are unexpected

Gross Motor Warning Signs

• Has stiff arms and/or legs

• Has a floppy or limp body posture compared to other children of the same age

• Uses one side of body more than the other

• Has a very clumsy manner 

compared with other children of the same age

bottom of page