When do Early Signs of Autism Usually Appear?
Early signs of autism commonly emerge between 12 and 18 months of age, with some symptoms becoming noticeable as early as 6 months. These initial indicators, often referred to as red flags, can vary significantly from one child to another.
According to documented developmental milestones and observation guidelines, parents may notice the following indicators during this early period:
By 6 months: A lack of social smiles in response to others or delays in babbling.
By 12 months: Limited eye contact, not responding to their name, and a lack of gestures like pointing to show interest or waving.
By 12 to 18 months: A lack of response to social bids or an absence of first words.
By 15 to 24 months: Delays in motor skills such as walking (typically expected by 15 months) or a lack of imaginative play, such as pretend play with dolls or stuffed animals.
Early recognition of these signs is essential because it allows families to seek early intervention strategies, which can significantly improve outcomes in communication and social development.
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