As parents, especially first-time ones, it’s natural to be vigilant about your child’s development. You’re constantly observing, comparing milestones with other kids, and wondering if your child is developing as expected. One of the concerns that often comes up in those early months and years is autism. Knowing the “early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)“ can help you take timely steps if necessary. Much like noticing the first budding leaves of spring, picking up on those warning signs of autism is crucial to nurturing your child’s growth. Let’s explore what to look out for, stage by stage.
The Importance of Early Detection
Identifying “early signs of autism in infants” can be tricky. Parents fail to notice the social distinctions that children display at such a young age. The fact that most children with autism reach milestones like sitting and walking on schedule can obscure these initial cues. However, detecting signs of autism in infants can greatly impact accessing appropriate assistance and treatments, enabling them to flourish.
Here is a helpful overview on identifying early indications of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers and what parents should watch out for.
1. Joint Attention: A Social Milestone
One of the foundational building blocks of communication and social interaction is joint attention. Joint attention refers to the ability to focus on something while also interacting with someone else about it. Imagine pointing at a bird outside the window and sharing that moment with your baby. For most children, by 12 months, this happens naturally.
a. By 12 months of age:
When you point in a direction to babies and they look and smile back at you in response as if they’ve made a discovery with you. That said, children displaying early signs of autism may not engage in this interaction at all, which could cause parents to become concerned about their child’s hearing abilities.
b. By 15 months of age:
Most young children can convey their desires to have an item by pointing to them with their fingers or hands. It would be considered an “early sign of autism in infants” if they might opt to hold the hand of a parent and guide them towards the desired object. All of this without establishing eye contact first. You might see as though there is a missing link in the puzzle of connection.
c. By 18 months of age:
most children engage in shared attention, pointing at things they find interesting. Children on the autism spectrum may only point to indicate something they want without sharing the joy or curiosity with their parents. If your child isn’t looking back at you when they point, it could be one of the “early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).”
Example of a Potential Issue:
Imagine you are reading a picture book to your child. And you point to a dog on the page, saying, “Look at the dog!” A usual reaction from a child without autism would be to glance at the dog following your gesture and back at you with a smile indicating shared interest. However, a child displaying early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may not direct their gaze to the book or might not reciprocate your smile. Their attention appears to be drawn towards the corner of the page rather than engaging with the content directly.
Around the age of one, babies typically participate in this sort of exchange. If you observe that your baby isn’t reacting to your gestures or showing smiles, than usual, it might indicate a potential warning sign of autism in infants.
2. Language Delays: A Key Indicator
Language is often the area where many parents first notice something might be different. While some kids might be late talkers, a consistent delay or differences in the way language is used can be “warning signs of autism.”
a. Echoing & Repeating
Many young children experience a stage where they mimic words or sounds similar to what parrots do so charmingly well! However, for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this echoing behavior known as echolalia may last longer than timescales observed among other children their age group typically observe. They may tend to replicate dialogues or dialogues from movies using the same tone they heard them initially being delivered with rather than utilizing language for meaningful communication purposes, among others.
b. Unusual Labeling:
Children diagnosed with ASD might first learn to identify objects by their names before using language to express their wants or needs effectively. They may be aware of what a “cup”’ is. And struggle to ask for it when they are feeling thirsty. An indication that could be noticed early on.
c. Regression in Language:
Some children may meet early language milestones and then suddenly stop using the words they learned. This language regression can happen around 15–24 months of age and is a red flag for parents to watch for.
Example of a Potential Issue:
Imagine if your little one recognizes the term “ball.” Yet rather than requesting it or incorporating it into sentences, they simply utter “ball” upon spotting one or hearing the word on screen. Without elaborating further with phrases like “May I have the ball?”. I would like the ball.” This habit of labeling objects without engaging in full conversations could indicate a possible early sign of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
It’s concerning if a child starts to not use the learned words. Then suddenly stops using them, like if your 18 month old used to say “mom” and “dad” often but has now stopped completely around the age of 15 to 24 months, as this could be a warning sign of autism in infants.
3. Social Interaction: A Subtle Difference
Children thrive on human connection—smiling at familiar faces, laughing with their parents, or waving goodbye. If you notice a lack of these social cues, it could be one of the signs of autism in children.
a. Reduced Eye Contact:
Infants are instinctively attracted to faces and is part of early stages of development. Around the age of 6 months old, most babies will engage in eye contact. They will exchange smiles when interacting with their parents. If your little one appears hesitant to do these, it might be worth considering it as one of the signs of autism in infants.
b. Limited Gestures:
Most babies will start using gestures like waving, clapping, or pointing by 12 months. If your child isn’t using these gestures or seems less responsive to your efforts to communicate, it might be worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Example of a Potential Issue:
After a day at the office or workplace, when you reach home, you find that your little one doesn’t seem enthusiastic about your arrival. Not making eye contact, offering a smile, or reaching out to be lifted up. Well, these are common ways most kids express their joy upon seeing someone they know. It could be a hint towards autism in children if the child carries on playing with their toy without acknowledging your arrival.
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By the age of six months old, most infants will return a smile when smiled at. If your baby does not exhibit this behavior or appears uninterested in interactions with others, it might be a warning sign of autism . Similarly, if your child seldom reacts to their name being called or avoids making eye contact during conversations, these behaviors could serve as warning signs of autism.
Regression in skills: losing milestones
Its worrisome for a lot of parents when they see their kid start to lose skills they have already mastered out of the blue. It can include anything from speaking to socializing to motor abilities. Statistics show that about a quarter of children with autism experience a regression in their development between 15 and 24 months old. They could have been talking a bit. Then, suddenly stop or become less involved socially. It’s like watching a flower open up beautifully only to see its petals drop without warning.
A Word on Parental Instinct
As a parent and being the one who knows your child best among everyone, if you happen to observe certain “early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” it’s crucial to trust your gut feelings and take action. Keep in mind that identifying “warning signs for autism” doesn’t equate to diagnosing your child outright. Yet, it can steer you towards asking the right questions and reaching out for the support they might require.
If you notice that your child exhibits any of the behaviors mentioned above, it’s advisable to discuss this with your pediatrician. Taking steps on is akin to identifying and addressing a minor leak in a pipe before it escalates into a major issue. Addressing concerns promptly can enable you to assist your child to lead a normal, healthy life filled with possibilities that you imagined for them.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing the early signs of autism in infants can be useful knowledge for parents to have in their parent toolkit. The developmental journey of each child is distinct, and there can be a few hick ups in that journey as well. Being informed about some warning signs of autism is crucial and warrants a careful eye from parents. View this blog more as a guide rather than a strict set of rules.
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Just like you are prepared for all weather conditions on a trip, recognizing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial. This knowledge enables you to offer care for your child and support their growth and development effectively. Fostering growth and development with care and guidance at every stage of their journey towards blooming into themselves. If you notice any concerning signs related to autism, it is advisable to seek guidance from experts without delay. It’s always best to seek clarity and reassurance rather than living in doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can you tell if an infant has autism?
There are some signs that can appear during infancy, which can include:
- limited eye contact while interacting with people
- lack of gesture or pointing
- No response to their name being called up
- limited or no facial expression
- inability to speak or loss of the ability to do the same
- Regression on some social interaction they were good with.
Q. At what age is autism first noticed?
The early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often appear between 12 months and 18 months of age. These signs are subtle and most of the time missed by the parents. But an understanding of the signs of autism in infants can help to ask for guidance from a pediatrician at an early time point.
Q. When to test for autism?
Different suggestions exist regarding the timing for testing a child for autism based on the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It is advised that children undergo screening for autism between 18 and 24 months of age, which can assist parents and pediatricians in recognizing delays beyond just focusing on autism.
Q. Do babies with autism cry a lot?
Children who are autistic might cry or tantrum more often than other children. There is a known fact that autistic children are sensitive to changes in environment. If they find an unfamiliar change in their environment, they begin to cry and have a tantrum. But, using calming practices, the children can be soothed to stop their crying.
Q. Is autism curable?
Autism is not considered a disease but rather a condition where the brain connections differ from those of a normal child’s developmental stage. It is important to note that there is currently no cure for autism spectrum disorder. It’s manifestations vary uniquely in each case. Thus, the approach to treatment must be customized according to the needs of the child. In these treatments, doctors focus on reducing autism symptoms and supporting a child’s development and learning.
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