What are Common Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Identifying the early signs of autism involves observing a child’s social, communication, and behavioral patterns, typically between 6 and 18 months of age. Common indicators include:
Social and Emotional Signs
- Limited eye contact during interactions.
- Not responding to their name by 12 months.
- Lack of social smiling by 2 months or sharing excitement (joint attention).
- Not pointing to share interest or responding to social bids by 12 to 18 months.
Communication Delays
- Delayed babbling by 6 months.
- Fewer gestures, such as waving bye-bye, by 12 months.
- No first words by 12 months or limited imitation of sounds.
Behavioral and Sensory Indicators
- Repetitive behaviors, such as lining up toys or repeating specific actions.
- A strong insistence on daily routines and resistance to change.
- Sensory sensitivities, like overreacting to loud noises, bright lights, or specific textures.
- Imaginative play delays, such as a lack of pretend play with dolls or stuffed animals.
Motor Skill Delays
- Motor milestone alerts include not crawling by 9 months or not walking by 15 months.
Because these signs vary widely among children, parents are encouraged to document observations in a journal to share with healthcare professionals for early intervention.
Related FAQs
-
What does Low Functioning Autism Look Like?
Read More »: What does Low Functioning Autism Look Like?Low functioning autism, clinically categorized as level 3 autism, is characterized by profound challenges that require very substantial support for daily living. Individuals typically exhibit the following characteristics: Communication and Social Interaction: Many individuals are nonverbal or have very limited…
-
How is an Individualized Aba Treatment Plan Created?
Read More »: How is an Individualized Aba Treatment Plan Created?The creation of an individualized ABA treatment plan is a collaborative, data-driven process led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The process follows several structured stages to ensure the plan meets the unique needs of the child and their…
-
Can Early Signs of Autism be Seen in Infants?
Read More »: Can Early Signs of Autism be Seen in Infants?Yes, early signs of autism can be seen in infants, with many red flags emerging between 6 and 18 months. Development can be monitored as early as 2 months, when most babies begin social smiling. By 6 months, parents can…
-
How do I Identify Early Signs of Autism at Home?
Read More »: How do I Identify Early Signs of Autism at Home?Identifying early signs of autism at home involves a structured approach to observing and documenting your child’s development during daily routines. You can start by monitoring high-level areas such as social interactions, communication, play, and physical behaviors. Key steps for…
-
What are Common Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Read More »: What are Common Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?Identifying the early signs of autism involves observing a child’s social, communication, and behavioral patterns, typically between 6 and 18 months of age. Common indicators include: Social and Emotional Signs Limited eye contact during interactions. Not responding to their name…
