Here are some signs that could indicate your child is on the spectrum as early as six months of age. The signs and symptoms will vary, as will the severity of the 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 strange behaviors.
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 at 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 postures? Will your child engage in repetitive behaviors such as tensing their hands, arms, or legs? Do they show unusual body movements such as turning their hands at the wrists?
3. LACK OF GESTURES
Does your child use gestures toward 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 INCOMMON CAUTION
Does your child initiate petting or noise to get your attention? Does the child come to you to be picked up? Being disinterested in seeking attention or bonding 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 gets older, an early indicator is that she is facing 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 often worry 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 BALLABEO AND RUINNING
Is your child making “baby talk” and babbling or cooing? Will they do it frequently? Typically, your baby should reach this milestone by 12 months.
8. WEIRD IMITATION OF SOCIAL SIGNALS
Some of the odd imitations of social cues your child does imitate the sounds and movements of others. Will they share expressions back and forth? Rare mock sounds, laughter, 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 him a warm, happy smile? Does your child smile alone? By the age of 6 months, your child should be giving you big smiles or happy expressions.