This autism toddler checklist is a quick review of behaviors that parents can watch for in their children. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the development of toddlers and there is no cure, however, it is possible to reduce the symptoms. Treatments are more effective the earlier they are administered. That is why it is critical for parents, all parents, to know what behaviors to monitor for, especially since autism affects 1 in 150 babies born.

Symptoms can be identified at an early age, usually between 18 and 36 months. Mild symptoms can also be apparent at an earlier age, and sometimes in infancy. Parents should document any signs of autism to present to a doctor in the future to help make a diagnosis as quickly as possible.

Below is a list of autism symptoms that parents should monitor for and document if your toddler displays any.

• unresponsive to their name
• will not make eye contact
• lack of smile (keep in mind that newborns don't usually smile for a few weeks after birth
• dislikes cuddling
• poor imagination when playing
• dislikes playing with others
• loner - difficulty making friends (or no desire to make friends)
• no separation anxiety when not around his/her mother
• very independent
• prefers to play alone
• attacks other children for no apparent reason. This is common with autism in toddlers
• lack of conversational skills
• does not appear to hear sometimes
• repeats words
• uses strange language
• no talking
• repeating only the words they hear
• mix up pronouns ("I", "you", and "we")
• strange activities and interests
• repeats motions (staring, swaying, etc.)
• lack of flexibility with routines and rituals
• obsessed with specific objects
• routinely places things in a line, such as toys
• hypersensitive to senses
• less sensitive to pain
• over-sensitive to sensations
• inflicts pain upon self
• slow development (miss milestones such as speech)
• does not babble by the 12th month
• does not gesture by the 12th month
• does not speak at all by the 16th month
• does not speak phrases of two words or more by the 24th month
• loses language skills already learned
• word vocabulary gets smaller rather than larger
• social skills become diminished