Here are some signs that could indicate that your child is on the spectrum as early as six months of age. Signs and symptoms will vary, as will the severity of symptoms. Be sure to monitor your child’s development and consult your doctor if anything concerns you. It should be noted that autism in babies is recognized by a lack of normal behavior, rather than the presence of strange behaviors.
1. DEVELOPMENT OF THE DELAYED ENGINE
Typically, developmental delay is suspected in some babies shortly after birth due to unusual muscle tone and feeding problems. Some babies may not be able to crawl normally or learn to walk very late. In other children, a developmental delay is suspected much later, when behavioral and learning difficulties come to light. Developmental delay can manifest itself in the following ways:
• A child seems very flexible
• Muscles seem very tense, legs remain rigid with little or no movement
• Trouble holding the head
• Inability to renew at 6 months
• Inability to sit on the floor without support at 8 months
• No crawling at 12 months
• Not walking independently at 18 months
2. REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS
Does your child sit or stand in unusual postures? Will your child engage in repetitive behaviors, such as stiffening hands, arms, or legs? Do they show unusual body movements, such as turning the hands at the wrists?
3. LACK OF MANAGEMENT
Does your child make gestures to objects or people to communicate? Does the child move his hand, point to, or reach for things? This is a milestone that is usually reached by 9 or 10 months of age.
4. SEEKING CARE LESS FREQUENTLY
Does your child start to hug you or make noises to get your attention? Does the child come to you to pick him up? Having a disinterest in seeking the attention of a loved one or bonding is a sign that your baby may eventually have a problem relating to others, which can be a struggle for those on the spectrum as they grow older.
5. POOR EYE CONTACT
Does your child have limited eye contact with you and other loved ones? Do they follow objects visually? As the baby grows, an early indicator is that he faces a severe lack of eye contact, as it is a form of communication and understanding.
6. LACK OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE NAME
Does your baby not respond to your name between 6 and 12 months of age? Parents who may find this in their children are often concerned that it may be a hearing loss and do not know that it may be a sign of autism. If you find this type of behavior in your child, be sure to monitor the signs and consult a doctor.
7. DELAY IN BABBLING AND COOING
Is your child talking like a baby and babbling or cooing? Will they do it frequently? Typically, your baby should reach this milestone by 12 months.
8. RARE IMITATION OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS
Some of the rare imitations of social cues are made by your child to mimic the sounds and movements of others. Will they share expressions from one side to the other? The rare simulations of sounds, laughter, smiles, and facial expressions at 9 months of age are an early indicator of autism.
9. LACK OF SMILES
Does your child smile back when you give him a warm, cheerful smile? Does your child smile alone? By the age of 6 months, your child should offer you big smiles or happy expressions.
