At every age of growth, children should hit certain milestones. These markers help parents and healthcare professionals know the child is mentally and physically developing at an appropriate rate for their age. But what happens if they’re not meeting those landmarks? Missing some may be an indication of autism. Below, Wiregrass Wellness Center in Dothan, AL, shares three signs that could be indicative of autism that you should talk over with a mental health professional.

Watch for These 3 Signs That Your Child May Have Autism

1. Struggling to Communicate

Children learn to convey their needs and talk at different rates. However, if all the little ones in your kid’s preschool class or playgroup are talking and gesturing and your child isn’t, this could be a sign that your son or daughter has autism. According to the Mayo Clinic, communication difficulty is a common symptom of many disorders on the wide-ranging autism spectrum. This could include avoiding eye contact, staying away from other kids and not responding when being spoken to.

2. Exhibiting Extreme Rigidity in Routine

Many toddlers and kids thrive when they follow a daily routine. Getting up, eating, napping, and going to bed at the same time each day can help give children the structure they need. However, if you go on a vacation or veer off these habits for a few hours, it shouldn’t be a big deal. But kids who panic and become irate or upset about breaking away from routine could have autism.

3. Disliking Physical Interaction

When you go to give your little one a hug, do they avoid you? Do they never seek physical affection and try to get away from it whenever possible? The National Autism Association notes that kids who have an autism disorder may resist physical contact.

Displaying any or all of the signs above are not always indications that a child absolutely has autism. However, if you notice one or more, you may want to take them to a psychiatrist. These mental health professionals are well-versed in autism and can help diagnose your child if they are on the autism spectrum. To schedule an appointment with the passionate team at Wiregrass Wellness Center, call (334) 673-8869. Visit the website for information on their general psychiatry and to learn about how they treat anxiety, depression, reduce stress, address substance abuse, and more.