How to Spot the Early Signs Of Autism In Toddlers

Are you worried that your toddler might have autism? Don’t panic! It’s essential to learn the early signs of autism in toddlers to get early intervention and support. However, there are many myths and misconceptions about autism that can make it challenging to distinguish typical behaviour from early signs of autism. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to spot the early signs of autism in toddlers and debunk some common myths along the way.

What Is Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be a tricky condition to diagnose in toddlers as many of its early signs can be hard to spot. But before we delve into the signs, let us first understand what autism is.

Autism is a neurological condition that typically shows its early signs in the first three years of a child’s life. A child with autism shows a delay in development in three main areas, which are known as the triad of impairments. They can be classified as

• Verbal and non-verbal communication
• Social interactions
• Imagination

What causes autism?

While the specific cause of autism is unknown, it is thought to be a result of both hereditary and environmental factors. Additionally, certain situations raise a child’s risk of autism.

For instance, according to Thomas Frazier, PhD, a clinical psychologist, autism researcher, and chief science officer of Autism Speaks, some parents spot indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), “if you have a brother with autism, your risk of having it jumps to roughly 20% on average.”

Other risk factors, according to him, include early birth, low birth weight, difficult deliveries, and having elderly parents.

According to Dr Frazier, some parents spot indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their child as early as 6 to 12 months of age, and possibly even earlier. 

While every baby is special and achieves milestones at his or her own pace, a baby that does not turn by six months or one that does not walk by the age of two should be closely monitored for autism or other such medical conditions. Similarly, some might have a problem with strangers touching them or tolerating everyday sounds.

Early Signs Of Autism

Early childhood is often when autism spectrum disorder first manifests. In the first two years of life, some of the initial symptoms of autism typically manifest. For a child to succeed in the long run, early evaluation and intervention are essential.

Among the early warning indicators are:

• not smiling after six months
• by 16 months, no one-word communications
• by 24 months, no phrases of two words
• by 12 months, no babbling, pointing, or expressive motions
• limited eye contact
• not displaying things or expressing interests
• a strange attachment to a specific item or object
• failing to react to voices, sounds, or names
• inability to show developmental skills appropriate at the age

Some kids show many early symptoms, while others show only a few. Depending on their age and how autism affects their daily lives, autistic children exhibit a variety of symptoms.

Early indications of autism can sometimes evolve with time. For instance, as kids get older, their ability to communicate socially or verbally may diminish or halt, or their ability to read signals may improve.

Signs of Autism In Babies

Prior to your child turning one year old, it’s important to watch for developmental milestones that may indicate autism.

Researchers discovered that concerns about vision and hearing among children eventually diagnosed with ASD were frequently expressed in the first year of life in one study investigating the early indications of autism (known as the Avon study). Differences in social development, communication, and fine motor skills became apparent as early as 6 months.

Autism signs by 3 months

• They don’t follow caregivers as they move in the visual field: According to Dr Frazier, babies at high risk for autism don’t follow caregivers as they move in the visual area. They might be more interested in a blanket, for example.
• They don’t react to booming sounds.
• They do not hold and grab objects.
• They don’t give folks a smile.
• They are quiet.
• They don’t focus on unfamiliar faces.

Autism signs by 7 months

• They don’t tilt their heads to look in the direction of the sounds.
• They don’t show you any love.
• They make no squeaking or laughing noises.
• They don’t try to grab anything.
• They don’t spontaneously grin.
• They avoid attempting to grab attention with their actions.
• They have no interest in playing games like peek-a-boo.

Autism signs by 12 months

• They are not crawlers.
• They don’t speak in single words.
• They don’t make hand motions or shake their heads.
• They don’t point at pictures or objects.
• Even when supported, they cannot stand.

It’s vital to remember that these requirements do not constitute absolute proof of autism. Mandi Silverman, Psy.D., senior director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute, explains that these are simple things that she looks for to decide whether she has to analyse the infant further. There might be additional social or developmental factors at work.

Signs of Autism in Toddlers

What does mild autism look like in toddlers?

Mild autism in toddlers can manifest in various ways, affecting their social communication, interaction skills, and displaying restricted or repetitive behaviours. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some common characteristics associated with mild autism in toddlers include difficulties in social communication and interaction.

Moreover, in the Avon study, repetitive behaviours and changes in play, mimicry, and feeding patterns were the most frequently reported indications of autism in the second year.

Observe these indicators as well:

• Uses no motions. nods their head in the affirmative or negative. does not make a wave or gesture toward items they want.
• Does not point out things to indicate that they are interested in the environment. Most toddlers point to gain your attention and show you something they’re interested in, like a puppy or new toy, by the time they’re 14 to 16 months old.
• By 16 months or 24 months, does not employ single words or two-word phrases.
• They might only repeat what they’ve just heard when speaking.
• Deterioration of verbal or social abilities, frequently between the ages of 15 and 24 months. Previously would mumble, say a few words, or express interest in others, but not anymore.
• Withdraws; seem to tune out others and exist in their own world.
• Does not walk at all or walk on their toes.

Signs Of Autism in Kids Age 2 and Up

In the Avon study, temperamental differences became apparent at the age of two. Children with autism exhibited different bowel habits by the age of 30 months. (Children with autism experience more gastrointestinal problems than regular kids, including constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, and abdominal pain.)

Additionally, you might observe:

• Has a linguistic impairment; may find it difficult to convey their wants. While some children with autism do not talk, others do speak but have difficulty taking part in conversations.
• Speaks in an odd manner. may have a flat tone, high-pitched voice, or talk haltingly. may substitute single words for phrases or repeatedly employ a word or phrase. may ask a question again rather than responding to it.

• Dislikes playing with others, including parents.
• Lacks compassion for others.
• Has trouble forming and maintaining friendships.
• Possess a strong rote recall, particularly for tunes, numbers, letters, TV jingles, or a particular subject.
• Appears not to comprehend what others are saying to them. may not acknowledge their identity or may not be able to adhere to instructions. may uncontrollably laugh, cry, or scream.
• Concentrates intently on a single thing, one characteristic of a thing (such as a wheel on a toy vehicle), or a single subject at a moment.
• Only occasionally imitates. rarely imitates your actions and doesn’t play pretend.
• Appears pleased to play by himself. Has little apparent interest in other kids, and rarely shares or takes turns.
• Acts in a rigorous manner (beyond what seems usual for a 2-year-old). Frequently cling to routines and struggle with changes in them. For instance, a change in their normal route home from daycare can cause them to get depressed or to throw a fit.
• Is extremely picky about the foods they will and won’t eat. When eating meals and snacks, you might want to adhere strictly to routines.
• Plays in unconventional ways with toys or things. For instance, spends a lot of time arranging items in a precise sequence or lining them up. may take pleasure in repeatedly opening and closing doors. Or, they could become fixated on continually pressing a toy’s button or spinning a toy car’s wheels.
• Commits acts of self-harm, such as biting or beating oneself.
• Displays repetitive behaviours, including flapping the hands or arms.

  A child watching tv holding her ears because she is afraid of the sound. Image source: iStock

• Has an over-sensitivity to different types of stimulus. It is possible for them to be touch-resistant, sensitive to odours, and bothered by loudness. They might only prefer to wear clothing that is tag-free or made of a specific fabric.
• Can overreact or underreact to certain sorts of discomfort. For instance, they might put their hands over their ears to drown out loud noises but fail to notice when they skin their knee.
• Can be fearless when there’s no need to be, or terrified when there is. For instance, people might fear a balloon or another simple thing but not heights.
• Experiences sleep disorders. Many autistic kids have problems going to sleep, waking up repeatedly throughout the night, or getting up very early.
• Displays behavioural issues. Possibly uncooperative, impulsive, energetic, or violent.
• The gaze may be peculiar, focusing on things from odd angles.

We know it can be tough to handle, but early intervention and care can go a long way in getting the right treatment for your child and might even help him live a normal life.

How Early Can Autism Be Diagnosed

When it comes to diagnosing autism, it can be done as early as age 2. The symptoms of ASD typically emerge within the first two years of a child’s life.

Early diagnosis is crucial because it enables early intervention and access to appropriate treatments and services.

Diagnosis in young children often follows a two-stage process. The first stage involves general developmental screening during well-child checkups, where paediatricians or early childhood healthcare providers assess developmental milestones.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends specific autism screenings at the 18- and 24-month well-child visits. If developmental differences are detected during the screening process, the child may be referred for further evaluation.

The second stage involves a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation conducted by a team of healthcare providers experienced in diagnosing ASD. This evaluation includes medical and neurological examinations, cognitive and language assessments, observation of behaviour, and discussions with caregivers.

The earlier ASD is diagnosed, the sooner interventions can begin to support the child’s development and improve their outcomes

What to Do When a Child Shows Signs of Autism

Dr Frazier encourages making an appointment with your paediatrician right away if your child is exhibiting early signs of autism. You will talk about any developmental issues, and the doctor will perform several tests to check your child for autism. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the earlier you can begin developmental and behavioural therapy.

Any child with autism is intended to benefit from early intervention in order to reach their full potential. Younger brains can respond to therapies more successfully, which can increase the effectiveness of interventions.

As your child becomes older, these interventions can consist of mental health counselling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or whatever else professionals think will benefit your child.

The ultimate objective, according to Dr Silverman, is “making the symptoms more bearable and enriching life as much as feasible.”

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