A developmental disorder that impacts behaviour, social interactions, and communication is known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For children with autism, early detection is essential because it enables prompt intervention, which can greatly improve outcomes. Parents who are aware of the early indicators of autism may be better able to spot warning signs and seek early expert assistance.
- Delayed Speech and Communication
Delay in speech development is one of the most prevalent early indicators of autism. Most babies begin babbling at 12 months of age, and by 18 months, they usually start uttering single words. Should a kid fail to reach these developmental benchmarks, it could suggest a language delay. Furthermore, autistic children may not react to their names or make movements like pointing or waving in order to communicate.
- Limited Eye Contact and Social Interaction
Social connections are a common challenge for kids diagnosed with autism. One of the first indications is not making eye contact. While most infants look their caretakers in the eye, a kid with autism may avoid or find it difficult to sustain eye contact. Additionally, they could not be very social and would much rather play alone themselves than participate in group activities. This may show up as a lack of smiles in return from people or a lack of interest in group activities like peek-a-boo.
- Repetitive Behaviors and Routines
Autism is also characterized by repetitive actions. These can include strict adherence to routines and repeated actions like hand flapping or rocking. When their routine is disturbed if they are exposed to strange situations or activities, children with autism may become quite agitated. Intense concentration on specific objects or sections of objects, such as spinning the wheels of a toy car rather than using the car as a whole, can also be displayed them.
- Sensory Sensitivities
High sensitivity to sensory stimuli is a common feature of autistic children. They may exhibit exceptional sensitivity to sounds, textures, odours, or lighting. For example, they might hide their ears when they hear ordinary noises or get upset when they touch particular types of fabric. On the other hand, some autistic kids could actively seek out sensory experiences, such as touching objects in their surroundings or fixating on lights.
Identifying these early indicators of autism is the first step toward obtaining the assistance and treatments that you require. If your child exhibits any of these behaviours, it’s crucial to get a full assessment from a medical specialist. A child’s growth and quality of life can be significantly impacted by an early diagnosis and intervention.
