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The Top 9 Signs That Your Infant May Have Autism

Using ACT with Parents Raising Children with Autism Doing What Matters

By C. Dixon

The most recent statistics show that 1 in 68 children are now being diagnosed with autism. While diagnosis is on the rise, a child typically is not diagnosed by a professional until he or she is over two years old.

However, there are signs that could indicate your child is on the spectrum as early as six months of age. Signs and symptoms can vary, as can the severity of the symptoms. Be sure to monitor your childs development, and consult your doctor if anything concerns you. Its important to note that autism in infants can be recognized by a lack of normal behavior, rather than the presence of strange behaviors.

Early Signs Of Autism In A 2 Year Old

If you feel like your 2-year-old doesnt seem to be catching up with their development milestones, you may start looking for certain signs of autism spectrum disorder for any delays.Mild symptoms can be mistaken for being shy or the terrible twos.

Here are some red flags that may indicate ASD:

  • Doesnt speak more than 15 words,
  • Cant walk ,
  • Doesnt know functions of household items like fork,
  • Doesnt imitate parents actions or words,
  • Doesnt use items for their own purposes,
  • Doesnt follow simple instructions

Early Signs Of Autism In Adults

Autism spectrum disorder occurs in all age groups. It is generally characterized by social and communication difficulties.

Severe forms are usually diagnosed in the first two years of a childs life. However, high-functioning individuals may not be diagnosed until later in their lives.

Here are some of the symptoms in autistic adults:

  • Difficulty in regulating emotion

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Signs That Your Baby May Have Autism

Most of these are that would show up between the 6 months to 1 year range. Before that, many of these may not show up at all. It is also important to know that any one of these traits on its own is not a diagnosis. If your child is showing a number of these traits over the 6 month period, it is always good to see a doctor for assessment. Early diagnosis and treatment can really make a difference in skills building later on. Again this list should not be considered a diagnosis, only used as a tool to start a conversation with your doctor who can then start a proper assessment process.

  • No social smilingTypically a baby will reflexively smile back if you smile at them starting as early as the first month, but certainly by the age of 3 months. As a test you can try looking at your baby with a neutral face, and then break into a wide smile that you hold for a few seconds. You can try three or four times. A typically developing infant should smile back most if not every time.
  • Lack of eye contactMost babies are born with an innate interest in the human face, particularly their parents and family.
  • Not responding to their nameMost infants will be responding to their name when you say it by 9 months at the latest.
  • Poor visual trackingTake a brightly coloured toy and track it back and forth slowly in front of your baby. Does your child easily follow a brightly coloured toy with their eyes? Or do they seem to loose interest in it or disengage quickly?
  • Treatment For Autism In Babies

    Typical Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

    There is no treatment for autism yet. Thankfully, several interventions have been designed that could reduce the symptoms, improve the childs abilities, and polish their social skills.

    The impact of ASD differs from person to person, and the treatment plan is customized for each patient according to their needs. The multidisciplinary treatment plans may require active parental participation.

    The behavioral intervention strategies work on the following attributes that are often affected in those with autism.

    • Communication skills
    • Restricted interests
    • Repetitive behavior

    Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and complementary medications could also be suggested for the baby as they grow older. Most intervention strategies may be introduced once the baby has reached early childhood.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How common is autism spectrum disorder?

    According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism affects an estimated one in 54 children in the United States today .

    2. Does watching TV cause autism?

    There is no evidence that TV-watching can cause autism. Excessive screen exposure may lead babies to show autism-like behavior. However, more research is needed to establish a claim .

    3. Do babies with autism smile?

    Babies with ASD do smile, but they smile lesser than other babies of the same age .

    4. Do babies with autism clap?

    Babies with autism can clap their hands, but they might not do it as often as other babies who do not have autism .

    References:

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    Early Signs Of Autism

    Signs of autism in babies

    Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder, which means that signs become apparent as a child does not develop as expected, for example developing speech or learning to crawl later than expected.

    As such, there are few signs of autism that are noticeable in newborns. However, if a baby fails to reach the developmental milestones expected at two months old, four months old, six months old, nine months old and a year old, this could be one of the first signs of autism or another developmental condition.

    Good to know: Not all babies reach developmental milestones at the exact same time. It is normal to have some variation in development. If in doubt about a childââ¬â¢s development, check with a doctor.

    Some of the early signs that a baby under one year old may have autism spectrum disorder include:

    • Not babbling by four months old
    • Not smiling by five months old
    • Not laughing by six months old
    • No interest in games like pat-a-cake or peek-a-boo by eight months old
    • Not responding to their name by 12 months old
    • Not looking at objects pointed out by other people by 12 months old
    • Being upset by loud noises
    • Not looking to a parent for comfort in new situations
    • Being happy to play alone for long periods of time
    • Not making eye contact

    Signs of autism in toddlers

    Some of the signs that a toddler, between one year old and two years old, may have autism spectrum disorder include:

    Very Focused On Or Attached To Unusual Objects

    Babies with autism can be very focused on or attached to objects that are unusual for their age, such as long strips of cloth, utensils, chains, rocks, sticks, flowing water, or gadgets they can take apart and put together.

    If your child is very focused on or attached to unusual objects, this may be an early sign of autism.

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    Best Sensory Toys For Autism

    Price: $Youve likely heard of a fidget spinner. The idea with these snap-and-click chains is similar. Theyre a tactile fidget toy that may help reduce stress or anxiety while also increasing your childs focus and attention. Each link of 24 in a chain moves and locks into five different positions while also producing a satisfying clicking noise.Reviewers say these are a hit with their kids with ASD and that many of their little ones like breaking the chains, connecting them, and forming them into bigger shapes.This toy is best for older kids, though. The links may be stiff and difficult to move for small hands, and the pieces of the links are quite small, which could pose a choking hazard for little ones.

    Early Signs Of Autism In Babies Aged 0

    What happens when autistic kids become adults?

    Shortly after they are born, babies begin to smile and coo at people around them. By the time they turn 2 months old, they are able to pay attention to faces.

    If the child has autism spectrum disorder, this may not be the case. If a child doesnt smile, or smile as big, and is not showing any warm expression, it may be a sign of autism spectrum disorder.

    The following signs can also be seen by the time the baby turns 3 months old:

    • Doesnt respond to loud noises,
    • Doesnt grasp objects,
    • Doesnt follow objects with their eyes,
    • Doesnt babble,
    • Doesnt point to things,
    • Doesnt respond to their names,
    • Cant stand when supported,
    • Doesnt babble

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    Inflexibility Signs Of Autism In Children

    Autistic children are often restricted in their behaviors and movements. They are inflexible, and even obsessive in terms of their activities, behaviors and interests.

    • Inflexibility, to an extent, can be an indication of ASD. The following are the signs of inflexibility
    • Strict routines – insisting on taking the same route to school every day
    • Limited topic of interest – memorizing the train schedules
    • Repeating the same actions – flapping hands, rocking back and forth these are also known as stimming, self stimulatory behavior
    • Unusual attachments to objects – obsessively lining the trucks or arranging them in a certain order
    • Difficulty in adapting to change – getting upset when their routines are interrupted

    What Is A Spectrum Disorder

    Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that people can experience a wide range of symptoms and of varying severities. For example, a person with autism who is towards the high functioning range of the spectrum will have a good grasp of language, but a person towards the low functioning range of the spectrum may not speak at all.

    As such, it is important to note that a person with autism spectrum disorder will not display all symptoms and symptoms will vary in severity. However, a person with ASD will display several of these behaviors and signs.

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    Top 10 Facts About Adult Autism

    Steven Gans, MD, is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

    People with autism, like everyone else, are adults for much longer than they are kids. That’s an easy fact to overlook when you search online for information about autism, because most articles and images focus on young children.

    While it’s true that symptoms of autism appear first in early childhood, autism is not a pediatric disorder. Adults with autism face lifelong challenges.

    So why is relatively little written about autism and adulthood? While there’s no absolute answer, here are some educated guesses:

    • Autism manifests before age 3, so most new diagnoses of autism are in children.
    • Most people who actively read about autism are worried-but-hopeful parents of children who are or may be autistic.
    • Because of the changes in how autism is defined, many adults now considered autistic never received an autism diagnosis.
    • High-functioning adults with autism are often uninterested in reading about non-autistic perspectives on autism.
    • Some adults with autism have intellectual disabilities that make it extremely difficult to read about autism.

    How Parents Can Spot The Warning Signs

    Teachers demand training to cope with growing number of ...

    As a parent, youre in the best position to spot the earliest warning signs of autism. You know your child better than anyone and observe behaviors and quirks that a pediatrician, in a quick fifteen-minute visit, might not have the chance to see. Your childs pediatrician can be a valuable partner, but dont discount the importance of your own observations and experience. The key is to educate yourself so you know whats typical and whats not.

    Monitor your childs development. Autism involves a variety of developmental delays, so keeping a close eye on whenor ifyour child is hitting the key social, emotional, and cognitive milestones is an effective way to spot the problem early on. While developmental delays dont automatically point to autism, they may indicate a heightened risk.

    Take action if youre concerned. Every child develops at a different pace, so you dont need to panic if your child is a little late to talk or walk. When it comes to healthy development, theres a wide range of typical. But if your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or you suspect a problem, share your concerns with your childs doctor immediately. Dont wait.

    Regression of any kind is a serious autism warning sign

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    Variability In Adults With Autism

    Not all adults with autism are alike.

    • Some adults with autism have successful careers in demanding fields such as information technology, robotics, and video game production.
    • Some work part-time while also taking advantage of day programs and resources.
    • Some are unable to function in the workplace and spend their days in sheltered settings.
    • Some adults on the spectrum are happily married or partnered.
    • Others have romantic friendships.
    • A significant number are unable to form meaningful, reciprocal relationships with peers.

    These vast differences make it just as tough to define or provide services for adults with autism as for children on the spectrum.

    When To See Your Pediatrician

    During checkups, your childs pediatrician will assess developmental progress. In between appointments, however, you may notice signs of autism or suggestions your child is not developing similarly to his/her peers. He/She may not engage with you the same way other babies engage with their parents, or he/she may exhibit some of the other symptoms listed above.

    If you feel something is amiss, consult your childs pediatrician to run a series of diagnostic exams. These exams are non-invasive and will often include a behavioral and developmental assessment. You might also be given a questionnaire for you and other caregivers in your childs life.

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    Reduced Emotion In Facial Expressions

    Facial expressions are a nonverbal way to communicate thoughts and feelings.

    Research on emotional expression in autistic infants is limited, but in studies involving school-age children, researchers have found that autistic children display less emotion through facial expressions than children with nonautistic development.

    That doesnt necessarily mean autistic children are feeling less emotion, just that less of it shows on their faces when they do.

    Autistic Traits And Diagnosis

    Early Signs of Autism Video Tutorial | Kennedy Krieger Institute

    Autistic traits meaning things that autistic people often do, think, and feel are often shared by people who dont have autism too. This doesnt mean that everyone is a little bit autistic, or that autistic people dont need support.

    To be diagnosed with autism, a person has to have a lot of autistic traits from birth, and those traits need to have a big effect on their life. In order to be diagnosed with autism, those traits must cause what a healthcare professional would call clinically significant difficulties in their day-to-day life. This means that they have difficulties with day-to-day life due to their autistic traits and need to use their own ways of overcoming those difficulties, or the people in their life need to help them to overcome them, or both.

    Being in a supportive environment makes a big difference to an autistic persons wellbeing and quality of life.

    Psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy are often used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep problems, both in people who have autism and people who dont.

    Psychological therapies can help to manage conditions linked with autism, like anxiety, but psychological therapies arent a treatment for autism itself. Therapy techniques might need to be adapted to work for an autistic person.

    Challenges in daily living

    Possible therapies include:

    Finding the right therapies

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    Behavioural Signs In Infants Between 6 And 12 Months Can Predict Asd

    A 2005 Canadian study published in the International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, with over 200 participants was the first to pinpoint specific behavioural signs in infants as young as 12 months that can predict, with remarkable accuracy, whether a child will develop autism.

    Autism is one of the most prevalent disorders today, and while a bio marker was finally found last year to help with early diagnosis, its normally only 80% effective, and so far mostly being used on higher risk infants. Also it is found using an MRI, and wait times can be long. Most doctors instead must rely on parent observations, observing the child themselves, and using standardized tools like the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers . However these tools are made for children who are 18 months and older, a long time especially when early detection and intervention can help with many of the frustrations that develop from communication problems.

    Because of the research done, a scale was developed to help doctors with early assessment in infants as young as 6 months . The Autism Observation Scale for Infants has been a fantastic new tool to help parents and doctors get an early diagnosis.

    Dont Assume Nonverbal Children Cant Communicate

    Many children with autism dont speak at all. But never assume that they dont have something to say.

    For children with autism, behavior is a form of communication. That includes:

    • Blinking
    • Hitting
    • Walking away

    Listen to what the child is trying to say. Ignore it, and the behavior may escalate until the child gets the point across.

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    Autism Includes Sensory Processing Challenges Which Impact Behavior

    Posted June 5, 2011

    Sensory challenges are the root cause of many of the non-typical behaviors you may see a child, teen, or adult on the spectrum exhibiting. Autism and sensory challenges can result in behaviors that are not always controllable. Most parents work very hard to help their children self-regulate, but it is a learning process for the child that takes time.

    Here are some behaviors you may see and what they could mean:

    Lack Of Joint Attention Skills

    Why Some Autistic Children Only Act Out at Home

    Joint attention is a skill you use when you focus on something with another person. Examples include sharing a game together or looking at a puzzle together. It means thinking and working in a pair or group.

    People with autism often have trouble with joint attention skills. While these skills can be taught, they may never develop on their own.

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