Early traits of autism

How can you tell if a child has autism? There are certain traits in the behaviour of young children that could indicate that a child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Traits of autism may include, for instance, that your child:

• does not often look others in the eye, or smile at others.
• does not react when spoken to.
• has little interest in other people.
• is difficult to comfort.
• babbles little, or has trouble getting language going.
• plays with little variety.
• can get extremely angry about small things.
• barely reacts when he or she gets hurt.
• has great difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• has eating problems.
• is very focused on certain topics or details.

Below you will find an overview of so-called 'alarm signals' for children aged 0-4 and for children aged 4-6. For older children, no reliable list is freely available online (yet), unfortunately.

Traits of autism in children up to 4 years old

The overview below lists several traits that may occur in very young children (up to 4 years). These symptoms may point to autism.

Source: Dietz, C. (2007). The early screening of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Gildeprint: Enschede

If you recognise one or more of the above traits in your child, it certainly does not have to be a case of autism. But it can be a good reason to further explore whether something is the matter. A good next step is to complete the CoSoS/ESAT test (Early Screening of Autistic Traits).

PLEASE NOTE: It may be the case that none of the traits apply to your child, but you are still worried. Even then, it can be useful to complete the ESAT questionnaire. In it, other traits of autism are included. For example, that your child:

• is difficult to comfort.
• has sleeping problems.
• has eating problems.
• bites or hits others for no apparent reason.
• constantly clings to you.
• is very anxious about new situations.
  
  

Take the CoSoS (ESAT) questionnaire >

Traits of autism in children aged 4-6 years

For the age group 4-6 years, there is the Dietz & van Berckelaer's (2013) signal list of autism traits. You can find the list below. This list includes signs that may point to autism in children aged 4-6 years. The signs are grouped into four areas:

Source: Bijlage ASS alarmsignalen lijst 4-18 jaar (Dietz & Berckelaer, 2013), NCJ Richtlijn Autismespectrumstoornissen 2015.

If you recognise three or more traits (which are not exclusively within one area), it is advisable to take further steps..

PLEASE NOTE: Did you find fewer than three signs that apply to your child, but you are still worried? Even then, it is good to explore those concerns further and see whether they are justified. You can, for instance, discuss your concerns with a professional..

Blijf op de hoogte

Wil je op de hoogte blijven van nieuwe informatie over autisme bij jonge kinderen? Meld je dan aan voor de gratis digitale nieuwsbrief van het Landelijk Expertisenetwerk Autisme Jonge Kind. De nieuwsbrief verschijnt ongeveer 4 keer per jaar.

Ja, ik schrijf me in voor de nieuwsbrief >

Wil je meer weten over (de diagnose) autisme? Bezoek de website van de Nederlandse Vereniging voor Autisme (NVA).