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10 Early Signs of Autism

signs of autism

10 early signs of Autism that may appear in infants and toddlers, often before the age of two.

These signs of autism include a lack of eye contact, delayed communication, lack of response to name, repetitive behaviors, lack of social interaction, limited play skills, delayed or atypical language development, unusual sensory responses, difficulty with transitions, and unusual motor behaviors. It is important to note that not all children with autism will display all of these signs, and if you have concerns about your child’s development, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider for an evaluation.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication and behavior. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Early detection and intervention can improve outcomes for children with autism.

What are the 10 most common signs of autism that may appear in infants and toddlers before the age of two?

Lack of Eye Contact

One of the earliest signs of autism in infants and toddlers is a lack of consistent eye contact. Some children with ASD may avoid eye contact altogether, while others may make eye contact but not for the same length of time or with the same level of intensity as neurotypical individuals. Some may also look at other parts of a person’s face or body rather than the eyes.

Delayed Communication

Children with autism may not start babbling or talking by 12 months or may not speak as many words as their peers. They may have difficulty using gestures, such as pointing or waving, to communicate. Infants and toddlers with ASD may not show interest in engaging in social communication with others, such as responding to their name or making eye contact.

Lack of Response to Name

Children with autism may not respond to their name being called or other sounds, voices around them. They may not turn their head or may take a longer time to look at the person that calls their name. Infants and toddlers with ASD may not look at the door when someone is coming in, or when some sound toys are used around them.

Repetitive Behaviors

Infants with autism may repeat certain actions or movements, such as hand-flapping or spinning objects, over and over. They may make repetitive vocalizations, such as humming, or repeating the same words and phrases. Children with ASD may engage in repetitive play, such as lining up toys or spinning objects. They may become upset or agitated when there is a change in the daily routine, and they may develop intense interests in specific topics or objects.

Lack of Social Interaction

Children with autism may not engage in social play with peers or show interest in people around them. They may not initiate eye contact, respond to their name, smile, laugh or show affection towards others.

Limited Play Skills

Children with autism may engage in repetitive or stereotyped play behaviors or have difficulty engaging in social play with others. Infants and toddlers may not engage in pretend play, such as pretending to feed a doll or pretending to drive a car. They may have limited interest in toys and engage in repetitive play, such as spinning wheels or lining up toys, rather than playing with toys in a functional or imaginative way.

Delayed or Atypical Language Development

Children with autism may have difficulty with communication, including delayed speech, echolalia (repeating words or phrases), or unusual intonation. They may use pronouns incorrectly, such as referring to themselves as “you” instead of “I.” They may also use unusual intonation patterns when speaking, such as a flat or monotone voice.

Unusual Sensory Responses

Children with autism may be hypersensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures, and may overreact to them. On the other hand, some infants and toddlers may be hyposensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as pain or cold, and may not react to them appropriately. They may also exhibit unusual responses to sensory stimuli, such as staring at lights or spinning objects, or may become fixated on certain sensory experiences.

Difficulty with Transitions

Children with autism often have difficulty with transitions or changes in routine. They may become upset or anxious when their established routines are disrupted. For instance, changing the location of the bed, table, or even a ball pit can be a trigger for distress. Children with autism are often rigid in their thinking and may have difficulty adapting to new situations, adjusting their behavior, and transitioning from one activity to another.

Infants and toddlers with autism may have a hard time leaving their home to go to school, transitioning from the car to a grocery store, or moving from a preferred activity. It’s essential to establish clear routines and schedules for children with autism to help them adjust better to transitions.

Unusual Motor Behaviors

Children with autism may engage in repetitive or stereotyped motor behaviors, such as hand-flapping, body-rocking, or other repetitive actions. They may also have difficulty with gross and fine motor skills. Children with autism may assume unusual postures, such as standing on their tiptoes or walking on their toes. They may be delayed in acquiring gross motor skills, such as crawling, walking, and running.

Infants and toddlers with autism may have difficulty coordinating their movements, such as jumping, hopping, or catching a ball. They may also be delayed in acquiring fine motor skills, such as grasping objects, manipulating small items, or using utensils.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that every child with autism is unique, and not all children with autism will display all of these early signs. However, if you have concerns about your child’s development, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider or a qualified healthcare professional for an evaluation for possible signs of autism. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism, so it’s important not to delay seeking help if you suspect your child may be displaying any of these signs of autism.

About Olga Sirbu

My name is Olga Sirbu, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst. My goal is to support and empower families and individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism Advance is dedicated to training parents and caregivers, providing practical tips, and teaching individuals how to educate kids with autism.

I share evidence-based practices to help you better understand and support individuals with autism. Learn practical strategies to help individuals with autism reach their full potential, as well as gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of autism.

Thank you for considering Autism Advance as a resource for your autism journey.

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