{"id":613,"date":"2017-10-03T06:04:40","date_gmt":"2017-10-03T06:04:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=613"},"modified":"2021-07-12T14:38:37","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T14:38:37","slug":"14-early-signs-autism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/14-early-signs-autism\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Early Signs of Autism"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Autism spectrum disorder, more commonly referred to as simply \u2018autism\u2019, refers to an assortment of conditions. It is characterized by difficulties in social skills, communication challenges, and restrictive behaviors, interests, and activities that are repetitive.<\/p>\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism is a developmental disability. The term \u2018spectrum\u2019 illustrates the large variety of challenges and strengths that each person who is affected by autism possesses. Despite extensive research, a single cause for autism has not been identified. It is believed to be the result of a combination of both genetic and non-genetic (environmental) influences. It is important to remember that though these influences can increase the risk of autism, an increased risk is not a cause. For instance, people with autism share the same genetic changes as people who are not affected by the disorder. Also, not everyone who is affected by a non-genetic risk factor will develop autism.<\/p>\n

Autism affects about 1 in every 68 people. The most obvious signs typically appear between the ages of 2 and 3 years old; however, in some cases, a diagnosis can be made as young as 18 months. Given the fact that autism is so prevalent, it is important for parents to be aware of the early symptoms because while there is no cure, the earlier it\u2019s diagnosed, the earlier intervention can begin.<\/p>\n

If you notice any of the following early signs of autism, speak to your child\u2019s pediatrician to discuss your concerns.<\/p>\n

1. Nonresponsive when their name is called<\/h3>\n

Typically, babies will respond to their names even before they are able to speak fully understand spoken language. By the age of 2, a child should certainly be responsive to her name. If you notice that your baby or toddler is not responding when you call her name, there is a chance that it could be an early sign of autism<\/a>. However, there are other factors that could be contributing to the lack of response. For instance, there may be a problem with hearing. In either case, it is important to speak to a doctor.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Doesn\u2019t make eye contact<\/h3>\n

This is often one of the earliest and most notable signs of autism. Eye contact is one of the first and most basic forms of communication and social interaction. At birth, a baby\u2019s vision is limited; however, by the age of 6 months, they usually begin to make eye contact. Should your child not be making eye contact with you, this could be an early sign of autism. Also, this could be a sign of a vision problem rather than autism. Nonetheless, it is important to speak to your child\u2019s pediatrician<\/a> if he avoids making eye contact.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. No joyful expression<\/h3>\n

By the age of 9 months, babies usually begin to show expression and illustrate their happiness with a smile and\/or a laugh. Joyful expressions are meaningful interactions, and for most children with autism<\/a>, social skills are affected. If your little one isn\u2019t smiling or laughing by the age of 9 months, it\u2019s not necessarily a cause for alarm, as development varies from person to person. However, if your child is not exhibiting joy by the age of 1, there may be a cause for concern.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Fails to point to objects<\/h3>\n

Before a child<\/a> has developed her verbal skills, she usually points to objects that she is interested in. For example, if she is hungry, she will point to a bottle, or if she wants to play with a toy, she\u2019ll point to the toy. She may also reach toward the items she is interested in. Pointing is a basic form of communication that usually develops by 6 months of age. Should you notice that your child is not pointing to objects by the age of 1, it could be a sign of autism.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Prefers to be alone<\/h3>\n

It can take a while for children to begin developing the ability to relate to and communicate with others. However, by their first birthday, most children start to show interest in other children. Though they may not share their toys or have meaningful interactions, they usually show some degree of interest in other people who are around their age. Since autism<\/a> can affect social skills, children who have autism often prefer to keep to themselves. They are disinterested in other children and would rather play alone. A child who would rather be alone than interacting with other children may be exhibiting difficulties with social development, which could be a sign of autism.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Lack of communication<\/h3>\n

Other than crying, babies are unable to communicate for the first few months of life. However, by the age of 9 months, most children will begin to make noises that are intended to be verbal communication. Though they won\u2019t be able to speak words, they will make vocal sounds, such as babbling. By their first birthday, the majority of children have spoken their first words. If by the age of 16 months, your child is not showing any sign of verbal communication, this could be a cause for concern. It may not be a sign of autism<\/a>, but rather a sign of an auditory issue; however, it is important to speak to a doctor.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Loss of speech<\/h3>\n

If your child was starting to babble or actually speak words but seems to have lost that ability, this could be an indication that he is developing autism. Children with autism often start to develop their speech but lose it once they start to develop this condition. For instance, your little one may have been babbling or speaking a few words, but then starts making those noises less frequently and then stops using them completely. Again, this could be an early indication of autism, or it may be related to hearing impairment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Limited interests<\/h3>\n

It is not uncommon for children with autism to exhibit limited interests. A typically developing child will show interest in a variety of things, including toys and food. However, children with autism are often disinterested by a variety of things, and instead, focus on a select few things. For example, a child may only want to play with dinosaurs and has no desire to play with anything else, or may only want to eat peanut butter<\/a> and jelly sandwich with the crusts cut off for lunch. Exhibiting limited interests is another early warning sign of autism.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Repetitive behaviors<\/h3>\n

Some autistic children will exhibit repetitive behaviors. Some examples include hand flapping, rocking back and forth, pacing, foot-tapping, or twirling. These actions are called self-stimulatory behaviors<\/a>, or \u2018stimming.\u2019 These actions are often displayed when a child is exposed to something that she finds unsettling or out of the ordinary. For instance, loud noises may cause her to flap her hands. Autism can impact sensory processing. To cope, children will exhibit these repetitive behaviors to soothe themselves.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Inability to show empathy<\/h3>\n

As children grow older, they usually start to develop empathy. That is, they understand that others have feelings and that those feelings may be different from their own. Since empathy is considered a social skill \u2013 a way of relating with other people \u2013 and people with autism can have difficulties with social skills, they often do not possess empathy. In other words, they cannot understand that other people have different thought processes, or are affected by or react to situations differently. By the age of 2, a typically developing child will start to show signs of empathy. If your little one is not exhibiting this social skill, you should consider speaking with your pediatrician<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Inappropriate Reactions<\/h3>\n

Babies and toddlers<\/a> are known to have tantrums when they don\u2019t get their own way; but, as they grow older and develop an understanding of the world around them, tantrums start to dwindle. Autistic children, however, may not \u201cgrow out\u201d of the tantrum phase. That is, an older child may have a crying fit or throw himself to the ground if he doesn\u2019t get what he wants. This could be the result of a lack of empathy, as the child may not have the ability to understand and relate to others, including the world around them as a whole.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Strict Routines<\/h3>\n

Routines are a staple for many autistic<\/a> children. They have to perform the same task, at the same time, every day. For example, a child might have to wake up at exactly the same time every day, have the same breakfast, and leave the house, in the same manner, every day. If that routine is disturbed, it could result in a meltdown. It is believed that those with autism find routines comforting and believe them to be the \u201cright\u201d way of doing things.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Sensory Sensitivity<\/h3>\n

One of the characteristics of autism is difficulty with sensory processing. The senses<\/a> can be on overload for these children. For example, their sense of sound may be highly astute, and if they hear a loud, out of the ordinary sound, such as a fire alarm, it could cause them to react negatively. For instance, when that sound is heard, the child may begin rocking, swaying, or speaking incessantly (stimming); or she may have a meltdown and start screaming. Since the senses are on high alert, should something upset those senses, the child could also become upset.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Repetitive speech<\/h3>\n

Lastly, an early sign of autism is repetitive speech. A child may say the same phrase or word over and over again, despite several reminders that she is repeating herself. The reason for repetitive speech is unknown, but it could be a way for the child<\/a> to comfort herself, or remind herself of tasks that need to be completed. Whatever the case may be, if you notice that your child is saying the same words or phrases over and over again, you should consider making an appointment with your doctor.<\/p>\n\r\n

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