The "symptoms of autism in babies" can appear from the first months of life. Early detection is essential for early intervention. This article will help you identify the most common signs of autism in babies.
Key Points
- Early signs of autism in infants include lack of response to name, lack of eye contact and poor expression of emotion, and it is crucial to detect them before the age of three to initiate appropriate intervention.
- Delays in language development, such as failure to babble by 12 months, failure to use simple words by 16 months and failure to form two-word sentences by 24 months, are important indicators of autism in infants.
- Early assessment and diagnosis through screening tools and consultation with paediatricians, as well as early intervention therapy (behavioural, occupational and speech therapy), are essential to improve the quality of life of babies with autism.
Early signs of autism in infants
Early signs of autism in infants can be subtle and vary from child to child. Often, signs of autism can show up as early as 6 months to almost 2 years of age. Most children with autism begin to show symptoms before the age of three. Autism is a condition in which the child perceives reality in a different way.
However, not all babies with autism show warning signs during the first two years. The disorder is characterised by very subtle symptoms and features that may go unnoticed in the first months of life.
Lack of response to naming
One of the first signs of autism is a lack of response to naming. If a baby does not turn when called by name at 6 months, this may be an early indicator of autism. Failure to respond to a name, even after 6 months of age, may mean that the baby is having trouble processing auditory information or simply does not recognise that his or her name is being called, which is an important warning sign.
Lack of eye contact
Eye contact is an essential part of early development in babies, helping them connect with their environment and the people around them. Lack of sustained eye contact is an important sign of autism in infants.
Avoidance of eye contact is a hallmark of autism, and may be one of the first signs parents notice in their children.
Little expression of emotions
Babies with autism may not show emotion or have difficulty recognising the emotions of others. For example, they may not smile or have a social smile, which is an early indicator of autism. In addition, they may resist hugs and cuddling, showing a lack of emotional response to physical displays of affection.
They may also have difficulty recognising non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body postures.
Language development delays
Delays in language development are another important sign of autism in infants. These delays may include not babbling by 12 months, not using simple words by 16 months, and not forming two-word sentences by 24 months.
Language development in babies with autism may show characteristics such as delays in non-verbal communication and spoken language. It is crucial to watch for these signs as they may indicate the need for further assessment.
No babbling by 12 months
Lack of babbling at 12 months is an early indicator commonly seen in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. The absence of babbling or consonant sounds can be a warning sign.
Babbling usually begins between 4 and 6 months, and its absence by 12 months is cause for concern.
Not using simple words at 16 months
At 16 months, a baby should start using simple words and if he or she doesn't, it may be a sign of autism. Failure to use simple words such as 'mama' or 'dada' at 16 months may be a sign of delayed language development associated with autism.
This lack of simple words may reflect difficulties in verbal communication, typical in children with autism.
Failure to form two-word sentences at 24 months
Failure to form two-word sentences by 24 months is a significant indicator of autism-related language delay. By 24 months, a child should be able to form two-word sentences; failure to do so may signal autism.
This lack of sentence formation may indicate limited sentence structure, characteristic of the language disorder, in a way that affects communication.
Repetitive and restricted behaviours
Infants with autism often exhibit repetitive behaviours and patterns of limited interest. These behaviours may include repetitive movements such as hand flapping, body rocking or spinning objects. They may also show intense fixation on certain parts of objects, such as only focusing on the spinning wheels of a toy.
In addition, they may show extreme resistance to changes in daily routine and develop specific rituals that upset them if altered.
Repetitive movements
Movements such as hand flapping, body swaying or spinning objects may be signs of autism in infants. Hand flapping is a common repetitive movement in babies with autism. Trunk swaying is another repetitive movement seen in infants with autism.
Fixation on specific objects
Babies with autism may show intense fixation on certain parts of objects, such as focusing only on the spinning wheels of a toy. They may spend hours with a single object, such as the wheels of toy cars.
Resistance to changes in routine
Babies with autism may show extreme resistance to changes in daily routine and develop specific rituals that upset them if they are changed. Even minor changes in their space or environment can cause great distress in babies with autism.
They may also resist interference from others in their play routine.
Problems in social interaction
Babies with autism may have difficulty sharing attention, show a lack of interest in interactive play and prefer to play alone. Joint attention skills begin to develop around the sixth month of life and are essential for early social communication.
Impaired development of joint attention may deprive children of the ability to process social information essential for social-cognitive development.
Difficulty sharing attention
Children with autism often have difficulty following a gaze, head gesture or finger signal to coordinate attention with another person. These symptoms of autism may show significant difficulty following another person's pointing gesture, which may be related to brain functioning in these children.
They often do not look to where another person is pointing, showing an inability to share the focus of attention.
Lack of interest in interactive play
Babies with autism may not engage in imitative or pretend play. They tend to show little interest in social games such as peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake.
Preference for playing alone
Babies with autism may show the following behaviours:
- Prefer to play alone and become abstracted in their own world, avoiding play with other children.
- Show repetitive behaviour with toys.
- Intensely fixated on specific objects.
Early assessment and diagnosis
Early detection of autism in infants is crucial in order to initiate early intervention. Lack of early intervention can have negative consequences for the future of people with ASD. Social awareness of the signs of autism has increased, which together with new screening tools facilitates early identification of the condition. This progress is key to ensure timely treatment.
It is advisable to consult a doctor if autism is suspected in an infant if obvious delays in language skills and social interactions are observed.
Screening tools
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is a screening tool used to detect autism in infants. The M-CHAT-R test is applicable to infants aged 16 to 30 months. It must be completed by the parents and provides information on whether or not a specialist should be consulted.
Consultation with the paediatrician
Consultation with the paediatrician as soon as autism is suspected can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, improving the baby's quality of life. During the consultation, the paediatrician will assess the baby's development and may use screening tools to detect early signs of autism.
If the paediatrician observes signs of autism, he or she will recommend a more comprehensive assessment by a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Comprehensive assessment by specialists
When the results of screening tests suggest a risk of autism, the child should be referred for a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of experts.
This comprehensive assessment is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and for planning appropriate intervention to improve the child's quality of life.
Early therapy and intervention
Early therapy for infants with autism is essential to obtain the greatest therapeutic benefits and improve their quality of life. Some important factors to consider are:
- The age at which therapy is started, as this is a good prognostic factor in autism.
- Starting therapy as early as possible, as it increases the chances of progress of the person.
- Early intervention plays a fundamental role in this process.
Early intervention therapies for autism should be based on scientific evidence and be individualised for each child.
Behavioural therapy
Behaviour therapy is an intervention aimed at modifying specific behaviours in infants with autism, improving their ability to adapt and function in their environment. This therapy is especially beneficial for improving social skills, allowing babies to learn behaviours such as eye contact, name response and interactive play.
It also helps develop communication skills, facilitating the use of verbal and non-verbal language to express needs and emotions.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy uses therapeutic activities to improve sensory integration in children with autism. Some of the activities that may be used are:
- Sensory stimulation games
- Fine motor activities
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Symbolic play activities
- Animal therapy
90% of people with ASD have sensory processing difficulties, which can be effectively addressed with occupational therapy.
This therapy helps children develop fine and gross motor skills as well as improve their ability to perform daily activities.
Speech therapy
Speech therapy works to improve communication and language skills in children with autism. The importance of speech therapy lies in its ability to develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills, which are essential for social interaction and the overall development of the child.
It also includes counselling and guidance to families to support the child's progress at home.
Summary
In summary, detecting the symptoms of autism in infants at an early age is crucial to initiate interventions that can significantly improve their quality of life. From early signs such as lack of response to name and lack of eye contact, to delays in language development and repetitive behaviours, it is important to be aware of these signs. Early assessment and diagnosis, along with interventions such as behavioural therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, can make a big difference. Early detection and treatment are essential to give children with autism the tools they need to reach their full potential.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can the first signs of autism appear in a baby?
The first signs of autism can appear in a baby from 6 months to almost 2 years of age. It is important to look out for any signs during this period.
Why is early detection of autism important?
Early detection of autism is important because it allows for early intervention that can significantly improve a baby's quality of life.
What should I do if I suspect my baby has autism?
If you suspect that your baby has autism, it is crucial that you consult your paediatrician as soon as possible to obtain an evaluation and possible referral to specialists. Do not delay in seeking professional help for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
What is behaviour therapy and how can it help my child?
Behaviour therapy is an intervention that modifies specific behaviours to improve a child's ability to adapt and function in their environment. It can help your child develop skills to manage challenging situations.
What role does speech therapy play in the treatment of autism?
Speech therapy plays a key role in the treatment of autism by developing communication skills in children, which improves their social interaction and overall development.
Original content from the Upbility writing team. Reproduction of this article, in whole or in part, without credit to the publisher is prohibited.
