Early Signs Of Autism

As a parent you never want to believe that something could be wrong with your child.But when it comes to autism,catching it early makes a huge difference. But no matter your child's age,never give up, Treatment can help reduce the disorder's effects, plus help your child learn and grow.Autism is a spectrum of related disorders with a shared amount of symptoms. Autism spectrum disorders appear in infancy and early childhood, causing delays in many areas of development such as learning to talk, play, and interact with others. Some autistic children have only mild impairments, while others have extra obstacles to overcome.Every child with autism spectrum has problems, at least to some extent,

in the following three areas: 
  1.Communicating verbally and non-verbally

  2. Relating to others and the world around them

  3. Thinking and behaving flexibly

Early detection of autism is up to you

As a parent, you are in the best position to spot the early warning signs of autism. You know your child better than anyone and see behaviors and quirks about them that there doctor might not have the chance to see. Your child’s doctor can be a  beneficial partner, but don’t disregard the importance of your own observations and experience. The main thing is to educate yourself so you know what’s normal and what’s not.Keep an eye on your child’s development. Autism includes a mixture of developmental delays, so keep a close eye on when or if your child is hitting the key social, emotional, and cognitive milestones. While developmental delays don’t automatically point to autism, they may demonstrate a heightened risk.Take action if you’re concerned. Every child develops at there own pace so no need to worry if your child is a little late to walk or talk.But if your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or you suspect a problem, talk to your child’s doctor immediately. Don’t wait.Regression of any sort is a serious autism warning sign. Some children with autism spectrum disorders start to develop communication skills and then regress, usually between 12 and 24 months. For example, a child who was communicating with words such as “mommy” or “no” may stop using language altogether, or a child may stop playing social games he or she used to enjoy such as peek-a-boo or waving “bye-bye.” Any loss of speech, babbling,or social skills should be taken seriously, as regression is a major red flag for autism.

  Signs and symptoms of autism in babies and toddlers

 Autism is hard to diagnose before 24 months, symptoms often surface between 12 and 18 months.  If signs are found by 18 months of age,treatment may help to rewire the brain and reverse the symptoms.The earliest signs of autism  consist of the absence of normal behaviors not the presence of abnormal ones so they can be tough to spot. In some cases, the earliest symptoms of autism were even misinterpreted as signs of a “good baby,” since the baby may seem quiet, independent, and undemanding. However, you can catch warning signs early on if you know what to look for.Some autistic infants don't respond to cuddling, reach out to be picked up, or look at their mothers when being fed.

  Early signs of autism in babies and toddlers 
     Doesn’t make eye contact

     Doesn't smile when smiled at.

     Doesn't respond to his or her name or to the sound of a familiar voice.

     Doesn’t follow objects visually.

     Doesn't point or wave goodbye or use other gestures to communicate.

     Doesn’t follow the gesture when you point things out.

     Doesn’t make noises to get your attention.

     Doesn’t initiate or respond to cuddling.

     Doesn’t imitate your movements and facial expressions.

     Doesn’t reach out to be picked up.

     Doesn’t play with other people or share interest and enjoyment.

     Doesn’t ask for help or make other basic requests.

  If  the following signs arise seek immediate evaluation by your child’s doctor.

     By 6 months: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions.

     By 9 months: No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions.
 
     By 12 months: No babbling or “baby talk.”

     By 12 months: No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing,reaching, or waving.

     By 16 months: No spoken words.

     By 24 months: No two-word phrases that don’t involve imitating or repeating.


  Signs of autism in older children

As your child gets older the signs for autism become more  distinct. There are many warning signs but they typically revolve around impaired social skills, speech and language difficulties,communication difficulties, and inflexible behavior.Social interaction can be hard for a child with autism spectrum disorder. Many kids on the autism spectrum like to live in their own world detached from others.

     Appears disinterested or unaware of other people or what’s going on around them.

     Doesn’t know how to connect with others, play, or make friends.

     Prefers not to be touched, held, or cuddled.

     Doesn’t play "pretend" games, engage in group games, imitate others, or use toys in creative ways.

     Has trouble understanding or talking about feelings.

     Doesn’t seem to hear when others talk to him or her.

     Doesn't share interests or achievements with others.

  Signs of speech and language difficulties in autism

Children with autism spectrum disorders have problems with speech and language.They start talking late.They have trouble picking up on faint nonverbal cues and using body language. This makes  social interaction very hard.
     Speaks in an abnormal tone of voice, or with an odd rhythm or pitch.

     Repeats the same words or phrases over and over.
 
     Responds to a question by repeating it, rather than answering it.

     Uses language incorrectly.

     Has difficulty communicating needs or wants.

     Doesn’t understand simple directions or questions.

     Takes what is said too literally.

     Signs of nonverbal communication difficulties in autism

     Avoids eye contact.

     Uses facial expressions that don't match what he or she is saying.

     Doesn’t pick up on other people’s facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures.

     Makes very few gestures (such as pointing). May come across as cold or “robot-like.”

     Reacts unusually to sights, smells, textures, and sounds. May be especially sensitive to loud noises.

     Abnormal posture, clumsiness, or eccentric ways of moving.

 Signs of inflexibility in autism

Children with autism disorders are often restricted and even obsessive in their behaviors, activities, and interests.

     Follows a rigid routine.

     Has difficulty adjusting to any changes in schedule or environment.

     Unusual attachments to toys or strange objects such as keys, light switches, or rubber bands.

     Obsessively lines things up or organizes them in a certain order.

     Spends long periods of time organizing toys in specific ways, watching moving objects such as a ceiling fan, or focusing on one particular part of an object such as the wheels of a toy car. Repeats the same actions or movements over and over again, such as flapping hands, rocking, or twirling (known as self-stimulatory behavior, or “stimming”). Some researchers and clinicians believe that these behaviors may calm children with autism more than stimulate them.

  Common self-stimulatory behaviors:    
     Hand flapping

     Rocking back and forth

     Spinning in a circle

     Finger flicking

     Head banging

     Staring at lights

     Moving fingers in front of the eyes

     Snapping fingers

     Tapping ears

     Scratching

     Lining up toys

     Spinning objects

     Wheel spinning

     Watching moving objects

     Flicking light switches on and off

     Repeating words or noises

No two children express the same type of symptoms. Every child is different there's a saying that if you have seen one child with Autism then you've seen one child with Autism. these are just some of the symptoms of Autism and your child may not even have any of these symptoms cause every child is different but if you are worried about your child or your child has some of these symptoms then see your child's doctor right away there is no cure for Autism but the sooner you get your child into the doctor the better.