Are you aware of the early signs of Autism?

What are the Early Signs of Autism?

When they are infants, many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display developmental impairments, particularly in their social and verbal abilities. Less evident disparities in the development of body movements, pretend play, and social language frequently goes unrecognized because babies typically sit, crawl, and walk on schedule. Families may see changes in how their child interacts with peers and other people in addition to behavioral issues and speech/language impairments. 

Recognizing signs of Autism:

Social differences in autistic children

• Making little to no eye contact or failing to maintain eye contact
• Demonstrates little to no reaction to the grin or other facial emotions of the parent.
• May not focus on anything that a parent points to or looks at.
• May not make a parent look at something by pointing to an item or an event.
• Less likely to bring personal items to a parent to display
• Many people lack the right facial expressions.
• Has trouble interpreting others' facial expressions to determine what they could be feeling or thinking
• Less likely to have empathy for other people
• Has trouble making and maintaining friendships

Communication issues in Autistic children:

• Less inclined to give or point at goods to convey needs to others
• By 15 months, says no single words, and by 24 months, no two-word phrases.
• reproduces verbatim what others have spoken without understanding what they mean (often called parroting or echoing)
• Possibly won't answer when called by name, but will react to other noises (such a car horn or a cat meowing).
• May use the pronouns "you" to refer to oneself while using "I" to refer to others.
• communicator e in communication or diminished interest
• less inclined to initiate or carry on a discussion
• less likely to depict people or actual life in pretend play using toys or other materials
• Possess a strong rote memory, particularly for numbers.

Keep in mind that you are the expert on your child, and your worries are valid. You and your child's pediatrician will determine the best course of action together. Get a second opinion if you're uncomfortable with the doctor's recommendation.