Top 9 Signs Your Baby May Have Autism
Here are some signs that could indicate 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 see your doctor if you have any concerns. It is necessary to point out that autism in babies is recognized by the lack of normal behavior, rather than the presence of bizarre behavior.
1. DELAYED MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
Developmental delay is usually suspected in some babies soon 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, 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 lazy
• Muscles seem very tense, legs are stiff with little or no movement
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Inability to reinvest after 6 months
• Inability to sit on the floor without support at 8 months
• Inability to crawl at 12 months
• Inability to walk independently at 18 months
2. REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS
Does your child sit or stand in unusual positions? Will your child engage in repetitive behaviors such as tensing hands, arms, or legs? Do they show unusual body movements like turning their hands at the wrists?
3. LACK OF GESTURES
Does your child gesture towards objects or people to communicate? Does the child wave, point, or reach for things? This is a milestone that is usually reached at 9 or 10 months of age.
4. SEEK INFREQUENT CAUTION
Does your child initiate petting or make noises to get your attention? Does the child come to you to be picked up? Having a disinterest in seeking attention or attachment from a loved one 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 get older.
5. LITTLE 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 she 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 his name from 6 to 12 months of age? Parents who can find this in their children are often concerned that it may be hearing loss and are unaware 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 see a doctor.
7. DELAY IN BALLABING AND GRINDING
Is your child doing “baby talk” and babbling or cooing? Will they do it often? Your baby should usually reach this milestone at 12 months.
8. WEIRD IMITATION OF SOCIAL SIGNS
Some of the weird imitations of social cues your child does mimic the sounds and movements of others. Will they share expressions back and forth? Rare mock sounds, laughs, smiles, and facial expressions at 9 months of age is an early indicator of autism.
9. LACK OF SMILE
Does your child smile back when you give a warm, cheerful smile? Does your child smile alone? By the age of 6 months, your child should be giving you big smiles or happy expressions.
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