Recognizing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is a crucial step for parents and caregivers. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism. Becoming familiar with typical developmental milestones and knowing what to look for can empower you to seek timely professional evaluation if you have concerns about your child’s development.
Early Indicators of Autism in Babies
It’s important to remember that not all children with autism will exhibit every sign, and some children without autism may show some of these behaviors. Professional assessment is key for accurate diagnosis. However, being aware of these potential indicators can prompt important conversations with healthcare providers.
By 6 Months
- Reduced or Absent Joyful Expressions: A baby might show few to no big smiles or other warm, happy, and engaging facial expressions.
- Limited Eye Contact: There may be noticeably less or no eye contact made during interactions.
By 9 Months
- Lack of Reciprocal Communication: A baby might not engage in back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions. This reciprocal interaction is a key part of early communication development.
Recognizing Autism Signs in Toddlers
As children grow into toddlerhood, different social communication milestones become apparent. Delays in these areas can be early clues to autism.
By 12 Months
- Limited Babbling: There might be little to no babbling, which is a precursor to speech development.
- Few Gestures: A toddler may show little to no use of back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing objects, reaching for things, or waving.
- Lack of Name Response: There might be minimal or no response when their name is called.
By 16 Months
- Very Few Words: A significant indicator can be the use of very few or no words at all.
By 24 Months
- Limited Meaningful Phrases: Toddlers might use very few or no meaningful two-word phrases spontaneously (excluding imitation or repetition of phrases).
Autism Signs at Any Age
Certain signs of autism can be observed across different age groups. These can be persistent and impact various aspects of a child’s life.
- Regression of Skills: Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling, or social skills is a significant red flag.
- Avoiding Eye Contact: Consistent avoidance of eye contact with others.
- Preference for Solitude: A persistent preference for being alone and difficulty engaging with peers.
- Understanding Feelings: Challenges in understanding the feelings of others.
- Language Delays: Delayed development of language skills.
- Repetitive Speech: Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia).
- Routine Dependence: Resistance to minor changes in routines or surroundings, indicating a need for sameness.
- Restricted Interests: Having very narrow and intensely focused interests.
- Repetitive Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive movements or behaviors like flapping hands, rocking, or spinning.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Unusual and intense reactions to sensory input such as sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights, or colors.
Understanding the Age of Autism Diagnosis
The Age Autism Diagnosis varies widely among children. While some children exhibit early signs within the first year of life, for others, these signs may not become noticeable until 24 months or later. It’s also important to note that some children with ASD may develop typically until around 18 to 24 months, and then experience a plateau or regression in skills.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends universal autism screening for all children at 18 and 24 months of age. These screenings are in addition to routine developmental and behavioral screenings during well-child visits at 9, 18, and 30 months. Research indicates that by the age of 2, an autism diagnosis made by an experienced professional is considered highly reliable.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, it is essential to speak with your pediatrician or a specialist. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to supporting children with autism to reach their full potential.
For further information and resources, consider reaching out to organizations like the Autism Response Team at Autism Speaks for guidance and support.
