Recognize Early Communication Signs
Many infants on the autism spectrum show delays in vocalization or nonverbal gestures by six to 12 months. Healthcare providers can perceive
developmental concerns before age three, but families often miss subtle cues. Key communication signs include limited babbling, delayed speech, and reduced use of gestures.
Limited Babbling And Gestures
- Infants may produce fewer coos or babbles by nine months.
- Gestures such as pointing, waving, or showing objects often remain absent or minimal.
- Lack of joint attention, like no pointing to share interest, can signal a red flag.
Delayed Speech Development
- Many children later diagnosed with ASD speak their first words well after 12 months.
- Echolalia (repeating words or phrases) may appear instead of spontaneous speech.
- Consistent one-word utterances typically expected by 15 months may be missing.
Observe Social Interaction Patterns
Social communication differences tend to emerge early. Infants on the autism spectrum often avoid eye contact, show limited response to their name, and display fewer social smiles.
Avoidance Of Eye Contact
- Poor eye gaze toward caregivers by six to nine months may indicate atypical social attention.
- Infants might prefer objects over faces when engaged in play.
Reduced Response To Name
- Lack of consistent response when called by name can appear by 12 months.
- Caregivers may notice the child does not seem to register auditory cues.
Limited Social Smiles
- Social smiling or an infant’s smile in reaction to a caregiver typically develops by two to three months.
- A persistent absence of engaging smiles may warrant further evaluation.
Monitor Repetitive And Restrictive Behaviors
Repetitive movements and intense fixations often begin in the first two years of life. Tracking these patterns helps differentiate typical exploration from ASD-related behaviors.
Repetitive Movements
- Hand flapping, rocking, or whole-body spinning may emerge between 12 and 24 months.
- These motions can intensify under stress or excitement.
Fixation On Objects
- Excessive interest in specific items such as wheels or lights is common.
- The child may focus on one feature of a toy, ignoring its intended use.
Track Regression In Skills
Some infants show typical development followed by a loss of skills between 15 and 24 months. This regression often affects language, play, and social engagement.
Loss Of Speech Or Play Skills
- A child may lose words previously acquired or revert to babbling only.
- Pretend play scenarios, like feeding a doll, can disappear.
Social Withdrawal
- An infant who once enjoyed peek-a-boo or interactive games may disengage.
- Regression in shared smiles and gestures often coincides with reduced social interest.
Note Biological And Sensorimotor Indicators
Recent research suggests that subtle biological markers and sensorimotor signs may precede behavioral symptoms. While still under study, awareness of these factors can prompt earlier conversations with professionals.
Atypical Sensory Responses
- Over-sensitivity to sounds, textures, or lights can appear by nine months.
- Under-responsiveness may also occur, such as limited reaction to pain or extreme temperatures.
Early Biological Signs
- Studies have explored head growth trajectories and brain connectivity differences in infants later diagnosed with ASD.
- These findings remain preliminary but underline the importance of developmental surveillance.
Differentiate Gender-Based Variations
Autism symptoms often manifest differently in girls and boys, leading to under-recognition in female infants and toddlers.
Autism Symptoms In Girls
- Girls may imitate social behaviors, masking early communication challenges.
- Subtler repetitive behaviors like insistence on sameness in routines can go unnoticed.
Autism Symptoms In Boys
- Boys tend to exhibit more obvious repetitive movements and fixated play.
- Early speech delays and limited gestures often prompt evaluation sooner.
Understand The Importance Of Early Detection
Identifying autism symptoms in infants before age two supports access to therapies that can improve language, social skills, and adaptive behavior.
Benefits Of Early Intervention
- Interventions initiated by 24 months yield greater gains in communication and social interaction.
- Family involvement in therapy provides continuity of learning at home and in school settings.
Recommended Age For Assessment
- Formal screening is advised at 18 and 24 months during well-child visits.
- If concerns arise earlier, a referral to a developmental pediatrician or psychologist is appropriate.
Seek Professional Guidance And Tools
When signs suggest autism, parents and caregivers should seek advice from qualified professionals. Several screening apps and checklists can supplement clinical evaluation.
Screening And Assessment Tools
- The
ASDetect app offers video examples of early characteristics to help families gauge potential concerns.
- Standardized tools such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) guide pediatricians through a structured questionnaire.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
- General practitioners, nurses, and speech-language therapists can initiate a referral for a comprehensive autism assessment.
- Early consultation ensures access to support services, developmental therapy, and educational planning.
Conclusion
Monitoring autism symptoms in infants demands careful attention to communication, social engagement, repetitive behaviors, and any loss of skills. While typical development varies, persistent delays or regressions by 18 months should prompt professional evaluation. Early detection opens the door to interventions that help children reach their full potential. Families noticing any warning signs need not wait for a formal screening timeline; they can discuss observations with healthcare providers at any stage. Sharing concerns early supports a proactive path toward assessment, therapy, and community resources that foster growth and well-being.
At
Achieve Behavioral Therapy, we know how important it is to recognize early signs of autism and start
early intervention programs. Serving hundreds of families, our team provides comprehensive assessments, parent training, and personalized
ABA therapy across New Jersey and
North Carolina to help children reach critical milestones.
Contact us today to
schedule a consultation and take the first step toward supporting your child’s growth and independence.
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