Recognizing the Early Signs of Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today.
While most children are not diagnosed until after age four, some early signs can be detected in the first couple years of life. The earlier autism is identified, the sooner intervention services can begin to make a difference in the child’s development.
What Causes Autism?
The exact causes of autism are still being investigated. Research suggests that genetic and environmental factors both play a role. Autism tends to run in families, and children born to older parents are at higher risk.
Some other factors that may influence autism risk include:
- Exposure to chemicals and toxins during pregnancy
- Complications during birth resulting in oxygen deprivation
- Low birth weight or premature birth
- Viral infections in mom during pregnancy
- Autoimmune disorders in mom during pregnancy
However, scientists have not identified one specific cause. Ongoing research is looking at brain structure and function to better understand how autism develops.
6 Signs of Autism in Babies
Babies develop at their own pace, so lack of progress in one area does not necessarily signal a problem. However, certain delays in combination may indicate risk for autism or other developmental disorders. Contact your pediatrician with any concerns. Signs to look out for in the first year include:
- Lack of visual focus or interest in faces – By 2 to 3 months, babies normally get intrigued by faces and make eye contact. A baby who does not respond to their parent’s face or smile could display autism traits.
- Not reacting to their name – By 4 to 6 months of age, babies recognize their own name and will turn their head when it’s called.
- Delayed babbling – Babbling and making consonant/vowel sounds emerges between 4 and 7 months. Limited or unusual vocalizations may signal autism.
- Poor motor control – Signs include lack of reach and grasp, not tracking objects with their eyes, or low muscle tone and floppiness.
- Lack of interaction – Autistic babies may seem detached and unaware, rarely making sounds or moving hands/legs to engage.
- Difficulty self-soothing – Babies with autism tend to have trouble calming or consoling themselves.
If your baby is missing milestones or you have other concerns, share them with your pediatrician and request an evaluation. Acting early makes a big difference.
9 Signs of Autism in Toddlers
The telltale signs of autism become more pronounced as children reach the toddler years. Here are some red flags to look out for:
- Delayed or absent speech – By 12 months, babies use simple words and understand “no.” By 16 months, toddlers speak several single words. If language is absent by 24 months, suspect autism.
- Lack of pretend play – Toddlers with autism often do not engage in pretend play or imitate others’ actions. They also show little creativity or imagination.
- Poor eye contact – Autistic toddlers make little eye contact and seem to “look through” people rather than focusing on faces.
- Not responding to their name – Typically developing 1-year-olds recognize their name and respond consistently. An autistic toddler may ignore their name being called.
- Unusual movements – Rocking, flapping the hands, spinning, or repetitive motions are red flags for autism.
- Fixation on objects – An autistic toddler may focus obsessively on a toy or everyday item like a spoon, light switch or door handle.
- Adverse response to sensory input – Loud noises, bright lights, certain textures and touch may trigger an extreme reaction like tantrums or withdrawal.
- Aloofness – Autistic toddlers seem detached and unavailable, showing little interest in other kids or adults. They do not seek comfort or affection.
- Rigid routines – Many toddlers with autism get very upset if daily routines are altered even slightly or familiar surroundings change. Transitions can be very difficult.
See your pediatrician right away if your toddler is missing milestones or displaying any of these autism red flags. Early intervention is key.
6 Signs of Autism in Preschool Kids
By the time children reach 3 to 4 years old, the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder become more obvious. Here are some key signs:
- Impaired social skills – Autistic preschoolers lack basic social interaction skills like greeting people, sharing interests or maintaining conversation. They do not pick up on social cues.
- Delayed language and comprehension – Many preschoolers with autism remain nonverbal. Some develop language but have a poor vocabulary or echolalia, repeating words back verbatim.
- Limited eye contact – Children with autism continue to avoid eye contact and seem to look “through” people rather than making meaningful eye-to-eye connection.
- Narrow range of interests – An autistic preschooler becomes preoccupied with one particular topic, object or activity, often with obsessive focus.
- Poor pretend play – Autistic children may carry around or closely examine toys, but do not play creatively or interactively. They do not role play with other kids.
- Adverse response to sensory stimuli – Loud sounds, bright lights, certain textures, unfamiliar situations or transitions continue to trigger extreme distress and tantrums.
If your preschooler exhibits social and communication difficulties plus repetitive behaviors, talk to your pediatrician. These are core signs of autism.
4 Signs of Autism in School-Age Kids
The primary impairments and behavioral patterns of autism tend to persist as kids reach elementary school age, though symptoms may shift. Signs to watch for include:
- Difficulty making friends – Children with autism struggle profoundly to interact with classmates or relate to peers in age-appropriate ways.
- Rigid thinking – The autistic brain gets stuck on fixed interests, schedules and repetitive behaviors. Kids with autism do not transition well and insist on specific routines.
- Unusual reactions to sensory input – Autistic children remain sensitive to noise, light, crowds, food textures and other stimuli. They are often seen covering ears or eyes.
- Poor reading of social cues – Autism impairs the ability to read facial expressions, body language and social dynamics. Kids do not pick up on subtle cues.
If your child is experiencing social skills deficits, sensory issues and rigid behaviors that interfere with school, relationships and everyday life, get an evaluation. These are primary signs of autism spectrum disorder.
Importance of Early Intervention
The first signs of autism can emerge as early as infancy or the toddler years. Early detection allows for early intervention, which can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.
Diagnosis before age 3 is considered very important. Research indicates that starting intensive behavioral therapies at a young age leads to better language, cognitive and social development in children with autism.
Some early interventions for autism that promote positive change include:
- Speech, occupational and behavioral therapies based on applied behavior analysis (ABA)
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Sensory integration therapy
- Social skills training and peer modeling
- Dietary approaches like vitamin supplements
While autism itself cannot be cured, getting treatment in the early childhood years equips kids with tools and skills to reach their highest potential. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, have them evaluated as soon as possible.
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Early Signs of Autism:
- What is the earliest age autism can be detected?
Some symptoms can be recognized as early as 6 to 12 months, but autism can often be reliably diagnosed by age 2.
- What are the first signs of autism in toddlers?
Key signs in toddlers are delayed speech development, poor eye contact, lack of interest in other kids, lack of pretend play, repetitive behaviors and sensory issues.
- Why is early detection of autism important?
Research shows behavioral therapies started early lead to better outcomes. Catching it early allows crucial language and learning development.
- Can mild symptoms of autism go away?
Autistic symptoms often deepen over time rather than going away. Early treatment is vital even for mild cases.
- How can I tell if my 2 year old has autism?
At 2 years old, lack of language, poor eye contact, no interest in pretend play and limiting, repetitive behaviors may indicate autism.
- What are signs of high functioning autism?
Even high functioning kids may have social difficulties, narrow interests, speech and sensory issues that interfere with learning.
- Does lack of eye contact always mean autism?
While not looking at faces is a core sign, some babies are just slower to develop. But if it continues past 6 months, investigate further.
- Can autism symptoms improve with age?
Yes, early behavioral interventions can improve social skills, communication and life functioning, though autism is a lifelong disorder.
- How can I get an autism diagnosis for my child?
Discuss concerns with your pediatrician and ask for referrals to specialists like a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or speech pathologist.
- Does autism show up on medical tests?
No blood or imaging test can diagnose autism conclusively. Skilled clinicians make the diagnosis through behavioral evaluations.
Autism is complex, but the earlier it is caught, the better chances children have at reaching their full potential. If any developmental delays or red flags arise, talk to your pediatrician right away about having your child evaluated by autism specialists. There are lots of great early interventions and supports available, so seek help as soon as possible.