I want to talk to you about problems that you see in children with autism. Problems with communication and social interaction are hallmarks of autism. They are also the problems treated by speech language pathologists.

There are some red flags for autism. These red flags mean don't wait; get help from a speech language pathologist right away.

First of all, if your baby doesn't smile at people by age six months, or if there's not back and forth interaction with sounds or facial expressions between you and your child or your child and others by about nine months, or if your child doesn't babble by the age of one year, or your child doesn't use gestures, like pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by one year. Typically, children say their first word around their first birthday. If your child has no words by 16 months, that's a red flag. If your child doesn't put two words together to communicate by two years, that's another cause for concern.

And finally, any loss of speech or babbling, or any loss of social skills at any age is a red flag.

Now, the earlier your child gets help, the better. Speech language pathologists can help your child with autism. You should contact your local public school or go to www.asha.org. There you can find a professional, a speech language pathologist in your area who can help. Good communication skills, which means good understanding, good speaking skills, help with reading, writing, and social interaction.