Signs of autism often become evident in the late first year of the life of a child or maybe a little later. Often children showing normal development start showing signs of autism.

Usually autistic children have a delay in language skills. Though they might babble or use some words but these words are not aimed at communication. 

They will also usually not enjoy playing games like peek-a-boo. They also do not pick up the gestures of a normal child like waving etc. Autistic children also do not like to socialize. The facial expression is also not very vivid and expressive.

Repetitive interests is yet another symptom of autism. Autistic children show repetitive movements of hands and often like sniffing objects. They are also hyper reactive and even a trivial issue can upset them. 

Another startling revelation indicates that autistic children often suffer from intestinal problems. Quite a number of times, the children show poor behavior, or attention due to gastrointestinal pain. The worse fact is that parents often neglect this aspect and do not realize the crux of the issue.