Which of the following is associated with the early signs of autism?

C is associated with the early signs of autism because individuals with autism may struggle to respond to social cues, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and social gestures. This lack of responsiveness can manifest as not looking at others, not engaging socially, or not responding to their name being called. These early signs are crucial for identifying autism spectrum disorder, as they indicate challenges in social communication and interaction.

Excessive smiling at strangers typically reflects social engagement rather than a sign of autism. Consistent pointing to objects indicates a desire to share experiences and communicate, which is generally a positive developmental milestone and not commonly associated with autism. Engagement in cooperative play suggests social awareness and interaction with peers, which would not align with the characteristics often observed in autistic individuals, particularly at an early age.