Which of the following is a sign of autism in toddlers?

Which of the following is a sign of autism in toddlers?

• A. Babbling by 9 months
• B. Not using gestures by 12 months
• C. Playing with peers at 2 years
• D. Engaging in pretend play by 3 years

Answer: (B)

A sign of autism in toddlers is the lack of using gestures by 12 months, making this the correct answer. Typically developing children at this age often use gestures, such as pointing or waving, to communicate their needs and express themselves. A delay or absence of these gestures can indicate potential developmental concerns, including autism spectrum disorder. In contrast, babbling by 9 months is a normal developmental milestone, as is engaging in pretend play and playing with peers by the ages of 2 and 3 years, respectively. These behaviors demonstrate social and communicative skills that developing children generally display. Therefore, the absence of gestures at the 12-month mark stands out as an early sign of autism that may warrant further evaluation.

A sign of autism in toddlers is the lack of using gestures by 12 months, making this the correct answer. Typically developing children at this age often use gestures, such as pointing or waving, to communicate their needs and express themselves. A delay or absence of these gestures can indicate potential developmental concerns, including autism spectrum disorder.

In contrast, babbling by 9 months is a normal developmental milestone, as is engaging in pretend play and playing with peers by the ages of 2 and 3 years, respectively. These behaviors demonstrate social and communicative skills that developing children generally display. Therefore, the absence of gestures at the 12-month mark stands out as an early sign of autism that may warrant further evaluation.