[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/autism-awareness-significant-signs\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/autism-awareness-significant-signs\/","headline":"Signs, Traits, and Characteristics of Autism","name":"Signs, Traits, and Characteristics of Autism","description":"Updated: Autism can cause difficulties with social interaction, communication, and behavioral issues. Learn more about autism and its signs to look for.","datePublished":"2014-04-19","dateModified":"2023-03-15","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","name":"UPMC Western Behavioral Health","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/behavioral-health\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/boy-blowing-bubbles.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/boy-blowing-bubbles.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/autism-awareness-significant-signs\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":376,"keywords":["autism","Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)","back to school","Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders","Centers for Disease Control and Prevention","language impairment","summer therapeutic programs","Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic"],"articleBody":"Nearly one in 44 children have been identified as autistic through diagnoses for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Autism is a complex condition that can impair social interaction, language, communication, and other day-to-day behaviors. Signs of the condition typically emerge in early childhood, though autism\u2019s effects may span the entirety of a person\u2019s life.Most perplexing of all, there is no single type of autism, because it occurs across a broad spectrum. The condition can be found across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, though the condition is more frequently diagnosed in boys than girls.Early diagnosis and intervention for young children, as well as diagnostic and support services for adults, can be vital. As autistic children transition to adulthood, the need for support and services does not diminish\u2014required support may include behavioral, educational, vocational, medical, and family services.Early Signs of AutismFirst or early significant signs to look for in an autism assessment:No big smiles by six monthsNo back-and-forth sharing of sounds or smiles by nine monthsNo babbling by 12 monthsNo back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 monthsNo words by 16 monthsNo two-word meaningful phrases by 24 monthsAny loss of speech or babbling or social skills by any ageSigns of Autism in Older Children and AdultsSome common signs of autism that occur later in life:Functional language impairmentDifficulty taking the perspective of othersPreoccupation with facts, details, and collectionsLack of meaningful friendships and relationshipsViewed as \u201codd\u201d or \u201ceccentric\u201d by peersAppears to lack empathyServicesThe\u00a0Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders\u00a0(CADD) at\u00a0UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital\u00a0has a long history of serving autistic individuals across the life span and provides specialized programs including:Child and adult clinicsChild and adult inpatient unitChild wraparoundPreschoolSummer therapeutic programsVocational training and supported employmentThe Center also includes western Pennsylvania\u2019s regional ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training) Collaborative, the Autism Treatment Network, clinical research, and training.For more information, call the UPMC Western Behavioral Health Child Services central call line at 412-235-5444.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on April 19, 2014, and was last reviewed on March 15, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Signs, Traits, and Characteristics of Autism","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/04\/autism-awareness-significant-signs\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]