Learn about the signs of autism and how an early diagnosis can help set your child up for success.
Do you cringe knowing your kid’s daily routine is about to be upended? Do you have difficulty getting out the door some days because your toddler is not interested in socializing with others? Does your child have extreme sensitivity to loud sounds, lighting, or clothing? You may have heard that these types of behavior can indicate autism, but not always. If you suspect your child may have autism but are unsure of what to look for, we’ll break it down for you here.
What is autism?
Neurodevelopmental abnormalities in the brain are the primary cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is thought to be caused by a combination of factors that alter the normal development of humans. Some people with ASD may have an established issue, such as a hereditary one. Other factors are also being investigated. Many questions remain concerning these reasons and how they affect people with ASD.
What can autism look like?
People with autism often have unique methods of expressing themselves, forming relationships, and acquiring knowledge. These individuals also possess various talents, varying verbal communication abilities, and a diverse range of functional skills. The level of support required by persons with ASD varies widely; some may function independently, while others require constant monitoring and care. ASD symptoms can range from moderate to severe, and no single set of symptoms is present in every person with ASD.
People with ASD may find communicating and engaging in simple social interactions challenging. Many children on the autism spectrum prefer to exist in a world of their own, isolated from the rest of the world. Nonverbal signals and body language are complex for children with ASD to interpret, as well as how to respond appropriately. As a result, social engagement becomes extremely difficult. Speech and language difficulties are common in children with an autism spectrum disorder.
People with ASD exhibit atypical habits and interests. ASD is distinct from other disorders characterized by a lack of social communication and engagement because of these specific habits or interests. A child with ASD’s actions, movements, interests, and hobbies are often limited, if not obsessive and rigid. Inflexibility is a common symptom of ASD. Children with ASD are often rigid in their actions, interests, and hobbies.
There are no hard and fast rules for the symptoms and indicators of ASD. However, the following three areas are problematic for every autistic child: Impaired social skills, communication difficulties (verbal and nonverbal), and repetitive and rigid behavior are among the many warning signs and symptoms of autism.
What are some early signs of autism?
Autism signs can sometimes be detected in children as early as 14 months old. As a result, the first year of an infant’s life is critical in looking for missed milestones. These are key moments to observe for early diagnosis and treatment. Language and social skills are two areas where children have milestones to meet for typical development. If the child fails to meet a milestone at the expected time, it may be a symptom of developmental delay, but this does not imply that the child has autism. Autism may be diagnosed in newborns by their inability to maintain eye contact, according to eye-tracking research. Signs of autism in babies are characterized by a lack of conventional behaviors rather than the presence of abnormal ones, making them difficult to detect.
Talk to your doctor if you see any of the following warning flags:
By 12 Months (1 year):
No babbling, talking, or responding to their name
Inattentive or afraid of new faces
May dislike or refuse physical contact/cuddling
Early indicators of autism may even be mistaken for characteristics of a “good baby” since the newborn appears peaceful, self-sufficient, and undemanding. By knowing what to look for, you may spot early warning signs. Parents should monitor their babies’ development and eye contact. Newborns begin to grin and coo at their caregivers within a few days of birth. By two months old, neurotypical babies focus on faces and respond appropriately. This may not be the case if the child has ASD. A baby with ASD may not be able to look at the mother when feeding or display a lack of emotion, smiling, or cooing.
By 18 Months:
Lack of socially-based physical gesturing (such as pointing or waving)
Repeating a phrase (echolalia) spoken to them by someone else, a TV show, or other sources to attempt communication
Does not imitate others’ actions
Difficulty following simple instructions
Symptoms may not begin to appear for up to 24 months in some instances. For some children with autism spectrum disorder, acquiring new abilities and meeting developmental milestones continue as usual until 18 to 24 months. At this point, they can either stop developing or sometimes regress in their skills and abilities.
By 24 Months (2 years):
Difficulty connecting with others in shared play and attention
May have trouble walking or walks on toes
Speak or babble in a strange or robotic inflection
Inability to cope with change, as seen by displayed agitation when their daily routines are disrupted
By 36 Months:
Limited speech or uses short phrases
Does not appear to use toys or household items in the proper context or difficulty playing pretend
Has difficulty connecting with their peers
exhibit heightened senses of touch, smell, and taste (sensory sensitivity)
Strict rigidity with established routines (lining up toys, insisting on a particular route to travel)
By toddler age (3 and 4 years):
Behaviors and interests that are strictly limited in style and are repetitive
Hyper-focusing or “getting stuck” on topics, specific items, or elements of something, such as a board game spinner, wheels on a toy, or obsessive interest
Atypical hand or bodily movements, such as flapping or jumping
Disproportionate emotional responses to specific sounds, volumes, or sensations
Signs Of Autism In Boys and Girls.
Symptoms of autism can vary considerably based on a person’s personality and other characteristics, such as age and gender. Because males are four times more often than girls to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, most “typical” symptoms you might see described as autistic-like usually apply to boys in most cases. Boys and girls have the same general symptoms; however, girls with autism may be:
Quieter
better at concealing their emotions
more adept at mimicking social habits
As a result, the symptoms of autism may be less noticeable than they would be in boys. This also means that instructors are less likely to notice the signs of autism in girls.
Why It’s Important to get an Autism Evaluation
Early diagnosis of children with ASD is important for learning about their abilities and potential challenges. An early diagnosis of ASDs can help parents and the care team determine how best to meet the child’s unique needs. Every child should see a pediatrician or other medical professional regularly for checkups. The Autism Society reports that diagnoses can be made as early as 24 months in some cases. A child should be screened for autism between 18 and 24 months, with developmental delay screenings at 9, 18, 24, and 30 months, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines. Citing that people with autism do not “grow out of” the disorder, the CDC reports that early detection and care can dramatically improve quality of life and future prospects.
ASD symptoms can last a person’s entire life, but with treatment, they can improve over time. Notify your doctor and other essential stakeholders in your child’s life if you suspect they may have autism. Early screening is the most efficient way to benefit from the availability of services and assistance your child deserves.
Early Autism Signs to Look for In Your Child
Learn about the signs of autism and how an early diagnosis can help set your child up for success.
Do you cringe knowing your kid’s daily routine is about to be upended? Do you have difficulty getting out the door some days because your toddler is not interested in socializing with others? Does your child have extreme sensitivity to loud sounds, lighting, or clothing? You may have heard that these types of behavior can indicate autism, but not always. If you suspect your child may have autism but are unsure of what to look for, we’ll break it down for you here.
What is autism?
Neurodevelopmental abnormalities in the brain are the primary cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is thought to be caused by a combination of factors that alter the normal development of humans. Some people with ASD may have an established issue, such as a hereditary one. Other factors are also being investigated. Many questions remain concerning these reasons and how they affect people with ASD.
What can autism look like?
People with autism often have unique methods of expressing themselves, forming relationships, and acquiring knowledge. These individuals also possess various talents, varying verbal communication abilities, and a diverse range of functional skills. The level of support required by persons with ASD varies widely; some may function independently, while others require constant monitoring and care. ASD symptoms can range from moderate to severe, and no single set of symptoms is present in every person with ASD.
People with ASD may find communicating and engaging in simple social interactions challenging. Many children on the autism spectrum prefer to exist in a world of their own, isolated from the rest of the world. Nonverbal signals and body language are complex for children with ASD to interpret, as well as how to respond appropriately. As a result, social engagement becomes extremely difficult. Speech and language difficulties are common in children with an autism spectrum disorder.
People with ASD exhibit atypical habits and interests. ASD is distinct from other disorders characterized by a lack of social communication and engagement because of these specific habits or interests. A child with ASD’s actions, movements, interests, and hobbies are often limited, if not obsessive and rigid. Inflexibility is a common symptom of ASD. Children with ASD are often rigid in their actions, interests, and hobbies.
There are no hard and fast rules for the symptoms and indicators of ASD. However, the following three areas are problematic for every autistic child: Impaired social skills, communication difficulties (verbal and nonverbal), and repetitive and rigid behavior are among the many warning signs and symptoms of autism.
What are some early signs of autism?
Autism signs can sometimes be detected in children as early as 14 months old. As a result, the first year of an infant’s life is critical in looking for missed milestones. These are key moments to observe for early diagnosis and treatment. Language and social skills are two areas where children have milestones to meet for typical development. If the child fails to meet a milestone at the expected time, it may be a symptom of developmental delay, but this does not imply that the child has autism. Autism may be diagnosed in newborns by their inability to maintain eye contact, according to eye-tracking research. Signs of autism in babies are characterized by a lack of conventional behaviors rather than the presence of abnormal ones, making them difficult to detect.
Talk to your doctor if you see any of the following warning flags:
By 12 Months (1 year):
Early indicators of autism may even be mistaken for characteristics of a “good baby” since the newborn appears peaceful, self-sufficient, and undemanding. By knowing what to look for, you may spot early warning signs. Parents should monitor their babies’ development and eye contact. Newborns begin to grin and coo at their caregivers within a few days of birth. By two months old, neurotypical babies focus on faces and respond appropriately. This may not be the case if the child has ASD. A baby with ASD may not be able to look at the mother when feeding or display a lack of emotion, smiling, or cooing.
By 18 Months:
Symptoms may not begin to appear for up to 24 months in some instances. For some children with autism spectrum disorder, acquiring new abilities and meeting developmental milestones continue as usual until 18 to 24 months. At this point, they can either stop developing or sometimes regress in their skills and abilities.
By 24 Months (2 years):
By 36 Months:
By toddler age (3 and 4 years):
Signs Of Autism In Boys and Girls.
Symptoms of autism can vary considerably based on a person’s personality and other characteristics, such as age and gender. Because males are four times more often than girls to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, most “typical” symptoms you might see described as autistic-like usually apply to boys in most cases. Boys and girls have the same general symptoms; however, girls with autism may be:
As a result, the symptoms of autism may be less noticeable than they would be in boys. This also means that instructors are less likely to notice the signs of autism in girls.
Why It’s Important to get an Autism Evaluation
Early diagnosis of children with ASD is important for learning about their abilities and potential challenges. An early diagnosis of ASDs can help parents and the care team determine how best to meet the child’s unique needs. Every child should see a pediatrician or other medical professional regularly for checkups. The Autism Society reports that diagnoses can be made as early as 24 months in some cases. A child should be screened for autism between 18 and 24 months, with developmental delay screenings at 9, 18, 24, and 30 months, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines. Citing that people with autism do not “grow out of” the disorder, the CDC reports that early detection and care can dramatically improve quality of life and future prospects.
ASD symptoms can last a person’s entire life, but with treatment, they can improve over time. Notify your doctor and other essential stakeholders in your child’s life if you suspect they may have autism. Early screening is the most efficient way to benefit from the availability of services and assistance your child deserves.
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