Spotting Autism Red Flags: Early Signs in Toddlers

Autism is a neuro-behavioral disorder that affects a person’s ability to effectively communicate with other people and relate to peers.

The first signs of autism appear at a young age and individuals fall along the spectrum ranging from mild to severe. Some of these individuals may possess exceptional abilities, while others may struggle with speaking.

Autism affects 1 in every 68 individuals and is said to be more common in boys than girls.

How do we know if a child is autistic? Below is a list of symptoms that can help us decide if a child is autistic or not.

Careful observation is key in detecting early signs of autism. Although some children have normal development between 18 and 24 months, some kids begin to deviate from normal growth and lose necessary skills. The signs can include:

• Repeated motions (spinning or rocking)
• Avoiding physical touch or eye contact
• A noticeable delay in learning to talk
• Repeating phrases more often
• Being upset more often

Parents should note that these signs can occur in normal-developing children as well, but they last for a shorter period of time.

Autism Red Flags: Early Signs of Autism in the First Year

It is wrong to say babies cannot socialise in their first year. Young infants can be very social, and this makes it possible to detect signs of autism in their interactions. An autistic child may display signs such as:

• Not turning toward mother’s voice
• Being nonresponsive to others’ voices
• Not smiling or responding to any social cues

If you see any of these signs, consult a doctor before taking any action.

Signs of Autism in Second Year

Autism signs become more visible as children get older. A child’s second year can involve other crucial signs such as:

• Being unable to form single words
• Not being playful
• Having less or no interest in any games or any moving objects which should arouse child’s interest
• No two-worded phrases

Knowing these symptoms and signs of other disorders is crucial for detecting the early warnings, and it is important to stay informed. Other warning signs include seizures from an early age or poor coordination of muscles required to perform sports activities.

Awesome Resources for Autism Sign, Symptoms and Early Concerns:

Here are some resources on AutisMag that you might find useful:

• 60 Symptoms of Autism
• 13 Signs of Autism in a 4 Year Old
• Does my Child have Autism
• Well known characteristics of Autism

The Role of Brain Activity in Autism 

Autism affects different parts of the brain. The area affected could be one responsible for controlling emotions or other body movements. Autism affects the communication skills of the individual and causes abnormal growth in brain cells and head structure.

Researchers believe that brain scans hold the key to autism diagnosis.

Screening for Autism

Many times, children are not diagnosed until they reach kindergarten. Regular check-ups help watch for the appearance of delays of basic skills.

Regular check-ups are needed for every child at the below intervals:

• 12 Months
• 18 Months
• 24 Months

MUST READ:

• What goes on during an Autism Screening?
• 6 Questions Every Parent would ask a Therapist