Recognizing Autism: Early Signs And What To Do Next
Watching your child grow is an incredible journey. From those first wobbly steps to their babbling attempts at words, each milestone feels like a tiny victory. But sometimes, there are moments when that journey takes an unexpected turn. You might start noticing your child developing differently from their peers, and a pit of worry forms in your stomach. One of the concerns you might have is the autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
ASD is a complex way of describing how a child’s brain might be wired a little differently. It affects how they interact with the world around them, how they communicate, and how they behave. There’s no one-size-fits-all picture of autism, because every child experiences it in their own unique way.
The good news? The earlier you can intervene and get the right support, the better the chances your child has of thriving. So, how do you recognize the early signs of autism, and what steps should you take if you have concerns? This article will walk you through those questions and offer some helpful advice.
Early Signs of Autism
It’s important to remember that these are just signs, and not every child who exhibits some of them will have ASD. However, if you notice a combination of these autism symptoms, it’s best to discuss them with your pediatrician.
Social Communication
Limited eye contact
Babies and toddlers naturally make eye contact during interaction. However, as per connectionstherapies.com, if your child seems to avoid eye contact altogether or makes very fleeting eye contact, it could be a sign. This lack of engagement through eye contact is often one of the early warning signs that parents notice.
Delayed speech or language development
If your little one seems to be lagging behind in the speech and language development, it’s worth paying close attention. For instance, if they’re not babbling or using single words by around 12 months or struggling to form two-word phrases by 24 months, it could potentially be red flags for autism. Additionally, if they have difficulty engaging in back-and-forth conversations or forming sentences, it might be time to discuss your concerns with a professional.
You know your child better than anyone else, and if something feels off about their speech delay or language development, don’t hesitate to seek guidance. Early detection can make a world of difference in supporting your child’s communication skills and overall development.
Difficulty understanding social cues
Social cues are like a secret language that most of us pick up on naturally as we grow and interact with others. But for some children, deciphering facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice can be a real challenge. If you notice your little one struggling to read social situations or consistently misinterpreting sarcasm or jokes, it could be a sign of something more.
During playtime, observe how your child interacts with others. Do they have difficulty taking turns or understanding the unspoken rules of games? Do they seem oblivious to the subtle cues their playmates are giving off? These social nuances can be tricky for kids on the autism spectrum, and spotting these patterns early on can help you get the support your child needs to thrive in social settings.
Limited social interest
Building connections and forming friendships is a huge part of childhood, but for some kids, social interaction doesn’t come as naturally. Pay close attention if your little one consistently seems disinterested in playing with others or would much rather keep to themselves. While every child is different, and some are simply more introverted than others, a persistent lack of social interest could potentially be an early indicator of autism.
Repetitive Behaviors and Interests
Repetitive movements
When it comes to repetitive movements, there’s a fine line between what’s considered typical repetitive behavior and what might raise concerns. If you notice your child engaging in behaviors like hand flapping, rocking back and forth, or lining up toys in a very specific, ritualistic manner, it’s something to pay attention to.
These repetitive movements, also known as self-stimulatory behaviors or “stimming,” can be a way for some autistic children to self-soothe or cope with sensory input. While stimming itself isn’t necessarily a red flag, if it becomes excessive or your child seems overly fixated on these repetitive actions, it could potentially be an early sign of autism spectrum disorder.
Fixated interests
Does your child have an intense focus on a particular topic or activity, like dinosaurs, trains, or specific characters? While all children have favorite things, an unusual intensity or inflexibility around these interests can be a sign.
Resistance to change
Consistency and routine can be a child’s best friend, but for some kids, any deviation from the norm can feel like the end of the world. If your little one seems to have an intense resistance to change, whether it’s a new route to school or a minor tweak to their daily schedule, it could be something to keep an eye on.
Meltdowns and tantrums are common when kids feel overwhelmed or out of their comfort zone, but if these reactions seem extreme or prolonged in response to even minor changes, it might be worth exploring further. Children on the autism spectrum often find comfort in predictability and can struggle with transitions or unexpected disruptions to their routine.
Sensory Sensitivities
Have you ever noticed your child covering their ears at the slightest loud noise or refusing to wear certain fabrics because the texture feels unbearable? Or maybe they seem completely unfazed by strong smells or flavors that would normally make others wince? These kinds of sensory sensitivities (or lack thereof) could be potential indicators of autism spectrum disorder.
Ultimately, if your little one seems to have an extreme reaction (or no reaction at all) to specific sounds, lights, textures, tastes, or smells, it’s worth taking note. Maybe they’re distressed by the feel of certain clothing tags or the buzzing of fluorescent lights. Or perhaps they seek out intense sensory input like chewing on objects or repeatedly watching the same visually stimulating video. While sensory issues or sensory overload alone don’t necessarily mean autism, they can be an important piece of the puzzle when combined with other potential signs.
What To Do Next
If you notice a combination of these signs in your child, here’s what you should do:
Talk to your pediatrician
Discuss your concerns and observations openly. They can provide initial guidance and recommend screenings or evaluations.
Seek a professional evaluation
Early intervention is crucial for children with ASD. A qualified specialist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your child falls on the autism spectrum.
Educate yourself about autism
There are numerous resources available online and ASD organizations. The more you understand about ASD, the better equipped you’ll be to support your child.
Connect with other parents
Support groups and online communities connect you with other parents who understand the challenges and joys of raising a child with ASD. Sharing experiences and advice can be a source of strength and encouragement.
Bottomline
Remember, an autism diagnosis isn’t a life sentence. With the right support and interventions, children with ASD can thrive and reach their full potential. Early intervention allows you to address any challenges your child faces and provide them with the tools they need to navigate the world around them.
