Could It Be Autism?
Learn to recognize the symptoms of disorders on the autism spectrum.
Bobby just turned 1 and appears to be happy and healthy, but his parents notice he doesn’t act like his older sister did at his age. He rarely smiles, laughs, or makes eye contact—even when the family makes funny faces and sings songs. He’s a quiet child, keeps to himself, and doesn’t babble or say any words. When his parents call his name, he doesn’t respond even though his hearing checked out normal.
It’s a diagnosis that is consistently difficult to hear: autism. Current figures estimate 1 out of 88 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a brain-based disability that affects an individual’s social and communication skills as well as behavior. Most children with autism aren’t diagnosed until they’re 3 years old, but the signs and symptoms of the disorder are often present starting around 6 months of age.
Every parent knows that every child develops at his or her own pace. Some start walking and talking before their first birthday and others take much longer. While “normal” is hard to define at this age, there are certain social, motor, and emotional developmental milestones that every child should reach by a specific age. It’s important for parents to note these milestones and make sure their children are on track. Recognizing the early signs of autism so your child can receive early intervention will greatly improve the outcome of his or her treatment. In fact, intensive therapy before 18 months can possibly reverse symptoms and rewire the brain.
Here’s what parents should look for in their baby and toddler.
The First Two Years
Babies should be smiling and making happy expressions by 6 months of age. At 9 months, they should respond to facial expressions, smiles, and sounds. By 1 year of age babies should know their name and respond when called or spoken to. By this age, they should also be making noises; babbling to themselves in baby talk language; and making gestures like pointing, waving, or reaching up to be held. Babies should be able to speak a few words by 16 months of age and speak at least two-word phrases by the time they’re 24 months.
When a parent sees a child not reaching these milestones, the parent should consider these red flags.
Additional Signs
Along with the warning signs listed above, the following are additional symptoms of ASD parents should watch for in their children:
- Regression at any point is a major warning sign. This could mean a child stops gesturing, talking, babbling, or playing social games like patty cake or peek-a-boo.
- Doesn’t make eye contact or follow moving objects with his or her eyes.
- Doesn’t make sounds or movements to get your attention.
- Doesn’t seek affection and is unresponsive to cuddling.
- Doesn’t reach up to be held by mommy or daddy.
- Seems content to be alone, is quiet, and is non-social.
Have Your Child Screened
All children should undergo routine autism screenings at 9, 18, and 30 months of age, whether or not they’re exhibiting abnormal symptoms. If your child’s development seems to be lagging behind, talk with your pediatrician today. Do not wait to see if things will change. You know your child better than anyone, so if you sense something isn’t quite right, trust your instincts and seek a second opinion. Remember, you’re your child’s best advocate.
Developmental specialists often wait until a child is 30 months old to officially diagnose autism, but you don’t have to wait that long to start treatment if your child has delays. Even if there is a misdiagnosis of autism, a child will benefit from therapy whether or not he or she has an ASD.
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Allan Alguire