The recent findings have found that one in 59 children are diagnosed with autism. And while diagnosis gets better with time, a child cannot be diagnosed by a professional until they are over 2 years old.
However, there are 8 signs that could show you that your infant may have autism as early as they are 6 months old. Of course, signs may differ, as can the severity of the symptoms. It’s worth noting that autism is not recognized by the presence of strange behaviors, but rather by the absence of normal behavior.
1. DELAYED MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
If your child has significant motor development delays, such as crawling, pushing themselves up, or rolling over – you should pay attention because it can be an indicator of autism.
2. LACK OF GESTURING
Gesturing is a milestone that is reached by 9 or 10 months of age. So, if your child doesn’t point at, wave goodbye, or reach at people or objects to communicate – it is a red flag.
3. REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS
Does your child have repetitive behaviors such us rotating their head or hands on their wrists, or stiffening their legs, arms, or hands? Do they stand or sit in unusual postures?
4. UNRESPONSIVENESS TO NAME CALLING
If your baby is unresponsive to their name until the time they are 6 to 12 months old, make sure you consult with a doctor. Because what you think could be a hearing loss, can oftentimes be an early sign of autism.
5. RARELY SEEKING ATTENTION
Lack of interest in bonding or seeking attention can be an indicator of autism. If your child doesn’t make noises to get your attention or doesn’t like to cuddle, can be a sign that they are struggling to relate to others.
6. POOR EYE CONTACT
Eye contact is one form of comprehension and communication. So, if you notice that your child doesn’t follow objects or people visually, it can be an early sign that they may have autism.
7. LACK OF SMILING
By the age of 6 months, your child should be smiling to you a lot. If you notice that your infant is not smiling back at you when you try to make them laugh – it is a red flag that something is not right.
8. INFREQUENT IMITATION OF SOCIAL CUES
Lack of imitation of facial expressions, laughter, and sounds by 9 months of age can be a sign that your child has autism.
