Concerned? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Child’s Development

Early Signs Of Autism In Babies And Kids

July 2, 2024

Detect early signs of autism in babies and kids and learn proactive steps for intervention.

Recognizing Early Signs

Detecting the early signs of autism in babies and kids is crucial for initiating early intervention. This section outlines the signs observed in infants, newborns, and by the age of two.

Signs in Infants (0-3 months)

In the initial months of an infant's life, certain behaviors could indicate potential early signs of autism. According to Parents, these signs may include limited eye contact, lack of social smiling, and delayed motor development. Furthermore, Healthline points out that babies who develop Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) begin making less eye contact at around 2 months of age, which could serve as an early indicator of autism.

Signs in Newborns (0-3 months)

For newborns (0 to 3 months), the early signs of autism are similar to those observed in infants. These include limited eye contact, lack of social smiling, and delayed motor development [1]. Additionally, a decrease in eye contact starting from around 2 months of age could also be an early indicator of ASD.

Signs by Age 2

By the time a child reaches the age of 2, more definitive signs of autism may become apparent. Although some signs can appear as early as 2 months, most parents observe early signs of autism in their child by age 2 years. These signs could include limited eye contact, lack of gesturing, and not responding when their name is called. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for initiating appropriate intervention strategies [2].

Behavioral Indicators

When identifying the early signs of autism in babies and kids, it's crucial to observe their behavior, particularly in terms of social interaction and communication. Behavioral indicators can provide valuable insights into potential developmental issues, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Social Interaction Signs

Autistic children often find it challenging to engage in regular social interactions. This can manifest as difficulty in making eye contact, sharing focus with caregivers, or picking up on social cues. Such challenges can be an early sign of ASD, as babies typically develop these abilities around nine months old.

The primary symptom of autism is often characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, coupled with engaging in restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests.

It's important to note that these signs can vary greatly in their presentation and severity. Some children may show clear signs from a young age, while others may not exhibit noticeable symptoms until later in life.

Here are some social interaction signs to look out for:

Limited or inconsistent eye contact
Difficulty following what others are focusing on
Not responding when name is called
Lack of interest in other children
Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with others

Communication Red Flags

Communication delays and difficulties are another key indicator of ASD. Autistic children may have trouble with nonverbal communication skills such as pointing things out and copying the sounds and gestures of others, which are typically expected from around nine months old [3].

Delays in language development, such as not being able to say one to three single words by the age of 1 year, can also be a sign of ASD. In fact, about 40% of autistic children do not speak at all, according to March of Dimes.

Here are some communication red flags to look out for:

Delayed speech and language skills
Repetitive use of language
Difficulty initiating or sustaining a conversation with others
Difficulty understanding their listener's perspective
Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

These signs, both social and communicative, can be observed and noted by parents or caregivers. If these signs are noted, it's crucial to seek professional guidance for an accurate diagnosis and early intervention.

Read more about: What are Autism Meltdowns?

Developmental Milestones

Recognizing early signs of autism in babies and kids involves observing how they meet or miss various developmental milestones. This includes assessing their motor skills, language development, and sensory responses.

Motor Skills Delay

Children on the autism spectrum may exhibit delays in acquiring motor skills. These skills encompass a wide range of physical abilities, including both gross motor skills, such as crawling, walking, and jumping, and fine motor skills, like grasping objects or using utensils.

Autistic children may show signs of delays or abnormalities in motor skills development from a very early age. For example, they may have difficulty learning to crawl or walk, or may walk on their toes. They may also struggle with tasks that involve fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothes or holding a pencil.

Moreover, some autistic children may have trouble with nonverbal communication skills, such as pointing things out and copying the sounds and gestures of others, which are typically expected from around 9 months old. A lack of nonverbal communication could indicate delays in language development.

Language Regression

Around 25% of children later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may experience a regression in language skills and social interaction between the ages of 15 and 24 months. This regression involves a sudden or gradual loss of language abilities and increased social withdrawal.

Most children on the spectrum exhibit delays in nonverbal communication and spoken language, with differences such as using labels without asking for things and echoing or repeating words or phrases for an extended period. Additionally, some children may seem to reach language milestones during toddler years but use language in an unusual manner, resembling adult speech more than typical toddler speech.

Sensory Challenges

Children with autism often have sensory challenges. They may be overly sensitive to certain sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or textures. For example, they might react negatively to a loud noise or a certain type of fabric. Conversely, they may not respond at all to sensory stimuli that would typically catch a child's attention.

These sensory issues can affect a child's ability to participate in everyday activities. They might struggle with tasks that involve fine motor skills because they find certain textures or sensations uncomfortable. Or they might have difficulty focusing in a noisy or visually stimulating environment.

Understanding these developmental milestones and being aware of potential delays or regressions can help parents and caregivers recognize the early signs of autism. Early detection and intervention can greatly improve the quality of life for children on the autism spectrum.

Screening and Diagnosis

Identifying the early signs of autism in babies and kids is crucial, and it paves the way for early interventions that can significantly impact a child's development and integration into society. This section will discuss the importance of early intervention and provide an overview of diagnostic tools used in the detection of autism.

Early Intervention Importance

Recognizing the early signs of autism is vital to initiate effective interventions at the earliest. Early diagnosis allows for the adoption of strategies that can positively impact the child's prognosis and integration into society.

Known risk factors for autism include preterm or early term birth, genetic factors, and environmental influences. However, it's important to note that there's no established link between vaccines and autism [1].

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that autism screenings should be a part of standard 18 and 24-month well-child checkups. Concurrently, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities recommends that all children be screened at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months.

Diagnostic Tools Overview

Diagnosis of autism is a crucial step in the journey towards understanding and managing the condition. It's important to remember that only a specialist can make an official diagnosis of autism, which is usually based on the criteria described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Screening tools like the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) are commonly used to identify symptoms early and promote greater surveillance of children at high risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These tools are designed to be easy to administer and interpret, providing a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and caregivers.

Diagnostic Tool	Description
DSM-5	Provides the criteria for diagnosing autism
M-CHAT	A checklist used to identify early signs of autism in toddlers

With the global prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) averaging 65 cases per 10,000 individuals, it's a significant public health concern. The prevalence of ASD has notably varied across periods due to evolving diagnostic paradigms and methodologies.

The screening and diagnosis of autism are critical processes that enable timely intervention and support, providing the best possible outcomes for children and their families.

Age-Specific Observations

Recognizing the early signs of autism in babies and kids is crucial for their development, and it's important to observe these signs as they grow older. Age-specific signs can help parents and caregivers take note and seek early intervention, if necessary.

Signs in Toddlers

Toddlers, typically aged between one and three years, exhibit a variety of behaviors as they explore their world. However, certain behaviors may suggest a potential autism spectrum disorder in this age group.

Most children on the autism spectrum exhibit delays in nonverbal communication and spoken language. They may use labels without asking for things and echo or repeat words or phrases for an extended period. Some toddlers may seem to reach language milestones but use language in an unusual manner, resembling adult speech more than typical toddler speech.

Further, some toddlers may show delays in joint attention skills, which are crucial for later social and communication abilities. These delays are often present at every stage of social communication development in toddlers on the spectrum [5].

Signs in Preschoolers

When observing preschoolers, who are typically aged between three and five years, early signs of autism may become more apparent.

Preschoolers on the autism spectrum may not engage in pretend play by 18 months, prefer to play alone, and speak with an unusual rhythm or monotone. They may give unrelated answers to questions, and appear to ignore requests.

Another primary symptom of autism is often characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction, coupled with engaging in restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests. These signs may become more apparent in preschoolers, as their social interactions become more complex [4].

In both toddlers and preschoolers, it's important to remember that these signs do not confirm an autism diagnosis, but they do warrant further investigation. If you notice these signs in your child, it's recommended to seek professional help for further evaluation and guidance.

Support and Guidance

Recognizing early signs of autism in babies and kids is the first step, but understanding how to navigate the journey forward is equally important. This involves seeking professional help and employing suitable intervention strategies.

Seeking Professional Help

If parents or caregivers notice potential signs of autism in their baby or toddler, it is strongly advised to schedule a visit with the child's pediatrician for evaluation. Early intervention is crucial for helping autistic children develop to their full potential Parents.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that autism screenings should be part of standard 18 and 24-month well-child checkups Autism Research Institute. The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities also recommends that all children be screened at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months.

Parents and caregivers should observe how their child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. If there are any concerns about the child's development, a consultation with a pediatrician should be sought HealthyChildren.org.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests routine screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) between 18 and 24 months, but screenings can also be done at other stages of life. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Children, Revised, with Follow-up (M-CHAT–R/F) is a commonly used screening tool for ASD NCBI.

Intervention Strategies

Upon noticing possible signs of autism, it's imperative to contact a pediatrician and seek help as early as possible. Early intervention and therapy can lead to substantial strides in a child's behavior, learning, and development What to Expect.

Autism is a lifelong condition. However, early intervention and therapy can significantly improve a child’s skills and lead to a better quality of life Autism Parenting Magazine.

Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for ASD, particularly when initiated before age three years, can contribute to marked improvement in symptoms and overall development NCBI.

In conclusion, recognizing the early signs of autism in babies and kids is a crucial first step. However, seeking professional help and implementing effective intervention strategies can significantly improve the child's development and quality of life.