Have you been wondering what are early signs of autism in Children?

One of the things that most parents have in common is that they want their children to be happy and live a healthy life. It's one of the ways of expressing their love for them.

However, there are a few stumbling blocks on the road to happiness and health. An example is a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Early signs of autism or symptoms can manifest in children as young as five to six years old. So, consider evaluating your child for autism if you've noticed any form of developmental difficulties or unusual behaviors.

In this article, we will be exploring everything about early signs of Autism spectrum disorder, but before we continue, what do you understand about autism?

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? (ASD)

What are those Early Signs of Autism?

Do not get all worked up and worried if, at age one or a little more, your child hasn't started walking or communicating with their environment. Take a little more time because every child or toddler develops differently.

However, developmental characteristics linked with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not unique to autistic children, but they can aid experts in diagnosing the diagnosis. Now, let's check out those (ASD) signs to look out for in an infant.

Little or No Interest In Interaction

To interact with their parents and people around, most newborns try to make noise and utilize words. Those with autism do not find this interesting. The excitement for communication in children without autism is different. They will rarely speak or use motions.

It might be difficult for parents with such kids to understand what their children are trying to say since they may not know what they are attempting to say. 

Interaction problems, both verbal and nonverbal, are a common standard of autism and Aspergers at any age, although they are more noticeable throughout childhood development.

Stereotypic Actions

Stereotypic attitude is defined by the repetition of actions, gestures, noises, or words. Around the age of three or a little more, stereotypic conduct emerges.

Some early signs of autism your child can show include distinct biological stereotypic behaviors, such as flapping arms, dabbing the feet, or whirling fingers, may be displayed by children with autism. Even when urged not to, they are likely to reproduce sounds.

However, stereotypic actions are endless in children with autism, but they can also occur in children with typical development, so examinations and testing are essential. Endeavor to get your child tested first before concluding.

Eye Contact Is Limited Or Non-existent

A typical baby can make eye contact with their parents and people around six months or a little below. However, even if you mention their name or make noises, children with early signs of autism may avoid making eye contact.

Furthermore, a child with early autism may appear less expressive and fun to be with. They find it hard to grin, laugh, or engage in any other form of social interaction.

They Handle Toys In a different Way

Sometimes, you may observe that autistic children interact with objects differently than other kids. A customarily developed child, for example, could pretend to drive a toy truck by rolling it over the ground.

A youngster with autism, on the other hand, may play with one of the truck's wheels, spinning it around and around without concern for the remainder of the item. 

Their Speech Is Delayed

Autism can result in children's speech ability being delayed. They tend to develop speech later than their peers. By the age of two, some autistic infants will only be able to say a few words and nothing.

There could be a lot of reasons why your child is having difficulty with speech development, so it's crucial to get them tested if you are facing such a challenge.

Sensitivity to Certain Things  

Light, sound, smells, and textures may be sensitive in children with autism. They could be apprehensive about trying new cuisines or eating dishes with unusual textures.

Autism affects children's need for hugs, kisses, and snuggles from their parents. Autistic kids behave differently and react differently towards everything around them.

The question is, how do you find out if your toddler is suffering from this? 

How to Diagnose ASD

Because there is no medical test, such as a blood test or urine test, to detect autism spectrum disorders (ASD), it can be hard to make a diagnosis. 

To deduce a baby's health condition, the doctors observe their growth record behavior since birth. Here are things to do.

Observing the Growth Progress

Observing your child's developmental progress is an active, ongoing practice of watching a kid grow and motivating parents and providers to talk about the child's skills and abilities.

Playing, knowledge, interaction, behaving, and moving are all examples of developmental crossroads that most children attain by a given age. 

Screening for Your Child's Development 

Growth screening examines your child's development in greater detail.

Developmental screening differs from growth monitoring in that it is more formal. Even if there is no known issue, it is a common factor of various well-child checkups.

For kids within this age range, 9,18, and 30 months old. During frequent well-child visits at this age range, the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) advises growth and behavioral screening for all infants.

Diagnosis of your child's Development  

A quick test using a screening tool won't give you a diagnosis, but it can help you figure out if your child is on track for development or if you need to see a professional. A formal developmental examination may be required if the screening instrument detects a problem area.

A qualified specialist such as a developmental pediatric doctor, psychologist, pathologist, therapist, or other specialists performs this formal examination, a more in-depth look at a child's growth.

The consultant examines your child, carries out structured tests on the youngster, asks questions of the parents or carers, or has them complete questionnaires. The results of this official evaluation show your child's strengths and challenges, and they can be used to help you make decisions about your child's future. 

Conclusion

Conclusively, observing the early signs of autism in your child makes it easier for you to manage the situation well. 

Watch out for your child's interactions and actions at a tender age, or if you discover anything similar to the signs we've mentioned above, do not panic. See a professional doctor immediately.

Resources 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/children/

https://www.iautism.edu.my/early-signs-of-autism/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/signs-autism

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/Early-Signs-of-Autism-Spectrum-Disorders.aspx