As a parent or caregiver of a toddler, understanding the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial. Early detection and diagnosis of autism, particularly around 18 months, can significantly impact a child’s development through timely intervention such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Starting ABA therapy at a younger age is often associated with more positive outcomes. It’s important to monitor your child for potential indicators of autism and seek professional guidance if you observe these behaviors or characteristics.
Here are some key signs that may indicate autism in a child around 18 months old:
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Regression in Developmental Milestones: Keep an eye out for any loss of previously acquired skills. This could include a decrease or cessation in using words like “mama,” “dada,” or “bye-bye,” loss of ability to follow simple one-step directions, reduced imitation of actions, or difficulties with motor skills they previously mastered, such as climbing furniture, drinking from a cup without spilling, or self-feeding.
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Lack of Pointing to Express Interest: Typically, toddlers point to objects to share interest or indicate needs. A child with autism might not use pointing as a way to communicate what they find interesting or what they want in their environment. This lack of typical gesturing can be an early indicator.
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Limited Response to Others’ Emotions: Observing how your child reacts to the feelings of others is important. A toddler who is not showing interest in or noticing the feelings of others might exhibit a neutral or flat emotional response when a sibling is crying or a friend shows excitement. This reduced emotional reciprocity can be a sign of ASD.
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Difficulties with Walking or Motor Skills: By 18 to 24 months, a child should be mobile and able to move independently. Concerns arise if a child cannot walk, consistently walks only on their toes, or requires assistance to walk. These motor development differences can sometimes be associated with autism.
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Absence of Speech or Limited Verbal Communication: While most toddlers begin using words to communicate, a child with autism may not speak at all or might primarily babble or make sounds without developing clear words. This delay or difference in verbal communication is a notable sign.
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Reduced Imitation of Actions: Toddlers typically learn by imitating. If a child does not imitate simple actions like waving, clapping, or jumping, it could be a sign. For example, they might not attempt to copy everyday actions they see caregivers perform.
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Challenges Following Simple Instructions: The ability to understand and follow simple instructions is a key developmental milestone. A child who struggles to follow instructions like “look,” “come here,” or “sit down,” and instead ignores or seems confused by such requests, may be showing a sign of autism.
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Difficulties with Back-and-Forth Conversation and Joint Attention: Engaging in simple back-and-forth interactions and sharing attention on a common interest, like a toy, is typical for toddlers. If a vocal child struggles to initiate or participate in these reciprocal exchanges, it could be an indicator of autism.
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Limited Vocabulary: By 18 months, a child should be acquiring a vocabulary. If a vocal child has a very limited verbal repertoire, possibly less than 100 words, and may not know names of familiar people, objects, actions, or descriptive words, it could be a sign to explore further.
If you have concerns that your child may be showing signs of autism, it’s important to know that screenings are available and recommended for children between 18 and 24 months. However, a screening is not a formal diagnosis. For a comprehensive autism diagnosis, consult with medical specialists such as developmental pediatricians, child psychiatrists, or pediatric neurologists, and other qualified clinicians experienced in autism diagnosis. Early diagnosis is the first step towards accessing the support and therapies that can make a significant difference in your child’s life.
References
3 Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). HealthyChildren.org. (2023, March 21). Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/Early-Signs-of-Autism-Spectrum-Disorders.aspx
Autism Science Foundation. (2022, October 28). Causes, signs and symptoms. Autism Science Foundation. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://autismsciencefoundation.org/causes-signs-and-symptoms/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 12). Important milestones: Your baby by eighteen months. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-18mo.html#openDress
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, March 28). Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
