Frequently Asked Questions About Autism

Understanding what typical social, emotional and motor-skill development to look for in your child is important and knowing what to do next is critical in setting your child on a path toward success. Below are example developmental milestones children should be reaching:

9 MONTH-OLD MILESTONES:

• Bears weight on legs with support
• Sits with help
• Babbles (says "mama," "baba," "dada")
• Responds to own name
• Transfers toys from one hand to the other

1 YEAR-OLD MILESTONES:

• Crawls
• Stands when supported
• Searches for things that he or she sees you hide
• Says single words like "mama" or "dada"
• Points to things

18 MONTH-OLD MILESTONES:

• Points with intent to show things to others
• Knows what familiar things are used for
• Copies others
• Gains new words
• Knows at least six words
• Notices when a caregiver leaves or returns

2 YEAR-OLD MILESTONES:

• Uses two-word phrases (for example, "drink milk")
• Knows what to do with common things such as brushes, phones, forks and spoons
• Copies actions and words
• Follows simple instructions

3 YEAR-OLD MILESTONES:

• Copies adults and friends
• Takes turns playing games
• Follows instructions with 2 or 3 steps
• Says their own first name and age

4 YEAR-OLD MILESTONES

• Enjoys doing new things
• Would rather play with other children than by themselves
• Able to name some colors and numbers
• Can tell you what they think will happen next in a book

If your child is displaying any sign of developmental delays when comparing to their expected milestones, it's important to speak to your child's physician as a diagnostic test or screening for autism spectrum disorder may be necessary.