Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Parents Should Look For

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition affecting brain development that is characterized by impaired communication, behavior, learning, and social interactions. It is called a “spectrum” because it involves a wide range of symptoms with various intensities among individuals. ASD is considered a developmental disorder, despite its occurrence at any age, because the symptoms usually appear within the first two years of life.

This article explores the early signs of ASD to help parents detect this condition as early as possible and seek professional interventions. (1–4)

Early Signs

Each autistic child has a unique pattern of behaviors, with different levels of severity, impacting the development and function. Early detectable signs can include:

1.      Social Interaction Difficulties

Children with ASD may struggle with social interactions, which can be the first sign of this condition. Social communication difficulties, which can develop during the first 6 months of life, include the following signs:

• No response to their names. 
• Avoids eye contact. 
• Prefers isolation to play with others. 
• Does not understand or respond to simple commands. 
• Shows little or no interest or engagement in social behaviors, such as recognizing and smiling at their parents.

2.      Delayed or Atypical Communication

The hallmark of autism is delayed or atypical communication, usually seen between the age of 12-24 months. Signs include:

• Speech or language delays. 
• Not speaking at all. 
• Limited use of verbal communication. 
• Atypical behaviors, such as using repetitive words or sentences. This behavior is called echolalia. 
• Use of non-verbal gestures.

• Speaking but with difficulties in understanding.

3.      Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests

Atypical behaviors can be observed in children with ASD, especially by the age of 2 or 3, including:

• Repetitive behaviors, such as spinning objects and hand-flapping. 
• Harmful behaviors, such as head-banding or self-biting. 
• Noticeable intense focus on a single object or topic. 
• Infrequent sharing of interests and emotions. 
• The creation of a specific routine and extreme resistance to changes. 
• Precise arranging of things, such as toys.
  

4.      Sensory Sensitivities

Autistic children may have atypical responses to sensory stimuli, including:

• The intolerability of loud noises and covering their ears. 
• Highly sensitive to smells, lights, temperature, and textures. Some autistic children can be fascinated by light or simply by the touch of a certain fabric.

5.      Regression of Skills

Some children may develop and acquire skills normally and then suddenly lose these typical behaviors, such as loss of language or social interactions. This regression of skills, which usually occurs between 15-30 months of age, can be very concerning to parents and requires professional attention.

6.      Advantageous Behaviors

Children with ASD may develop certain strengths, such as:

• Learning things in detail and recalling information from a long ago. 
• Strong visual and auditory abilities. 
• They may excel in fields like math, science, and music.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrKu2BhDkARIsAD7GBosCg1_Afe1cNBAzR0cXKYFDddEzzIu5v63xF05h4cxU0Sp1JS0xV7UaAoF_EALw_wcB
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd#:~:text=Autism%20spectrum%20disorder%20(ASD)%20is,first%202%20years%20of%20life.
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928
4. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder

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