Watching your baby grow is an unforgettable experience. But while every child develops at their own speed, failing to reach certain milestones can raise red flags that may point to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that can affect social skills like playing, learning, and communicating. Repetitive behaviors, obsessive interests, and challenges with food and eating are other common symptoms, but every autistic person is unique. Individual cases of autism also fall on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe.
It’s rare to see signs of autism in newborns but some parents do. Here’s how to recognize the early signs of autism in infants and why prompt diagnosis is key to managing the condition.
Autism in young children
Signs of autism in young children include:
(1) Not responding to their name
(2 Avoiding eye contact
(3) Not smiling when you smile at them
(4) Getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound
(5) Repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body
(6) Not talking as much as other children
(7) Not doing as much pretend play
(8) Repeating the same phrases
Autism in older children
Signs of autism in older children include:
(1) Not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling.
(2) Unusual speech, such as repeating phrases and talking ‘at’ others.
(3) Liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes.
(4) Having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities.
(5) Getting very upset if you ask them to do something.
(6) Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own.
(7) Taking things very literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like “break a leg”.
(8) Finding it hard to say how they feel.
Autism in girls and boys
Autism can sometimes be different in girls and boys.
Autistic girls may:
(1) Hide some signs of autism by copying how other children behave and play.
(2) Withdraw in situations they find difficult.
(3) Appear to cope better with social situations.
(4) Show fewer signs of repetitive behaviours.
