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Watching your baby grow is an unforgettable experience. But while every child develops at their own speed, failing to reach certain milestones can raise red flags that may point to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that can affect social skills like playing, learning, and communicating. Repetitive behaviors, obsessive interests, and challenges with food and eating are other common symptoms, but every autistic person is unique. Individual cases of autism also fall on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that autism affects 1 in 36 children today, and it's four times as likely to impact boys than girls.
It's rare to see signs of autism in newborns but some parents do. Here's how to recognize the early signs of autism in infants and why prompt diagnosis is key to managing the condition.
Some parents begin to recognize early signs of autism when their baby is around 6 to 12 months old—and maybe even earlier, says Thomas Frazier, PhD, a clinical psychologist, autism researcher, professor of psychology at John Carroll University, and chief science officer of Autism Speaks.
Of course, all babies develop on different timelines. But it can be helpful to know what to look for when it comes to development. For example, babies with autism sometimes fail to communicate through sounds or gestures and may not respond to social stimulation.
Doctors don't know exactly what causes autism, but it's believed to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Known risk factors for autism include the following:
It's important to note, however, that there's no link between vaccines and autism.
"Pay attention to whether or not the baby is reacting to social information and the environment. Within the first year of life, babies start to babble and use gestures like pointing," says Dr. Frazier, adding that typically babies smile at their caregivers. "Baby noises should have some social function as well, and they should try communicating with parents."
It's important to note that the following signs aren't conclusive evidence of autism. "They're simply things we look for to determine if we need to further assess the baby," says Mandi Silverman, an associate psychologist at Positive Developments. Additionally, another social or developmental factor may be at play in addition to or rather than autism.
Possible early signs of autism in newborns include:
Possible signs of autism in babies aged 4 to 7 months include:
Possible signs of autism in older babies aged 8 to 12 months include:
If you notice some potential signs of autism in your baby, Dr. Frazier advises scheduling a visit with your child's pediatrician. You'll discuss developmental concerns, and the doctor will evaluate your baby for autism. "We have evidence that suggests the quicker you can get a diagnosis, the earlier you can enroll in developmental and behavioral interventions," says Dr. Frazier.
Early intervention is meant to help autistic children develop to their full potential. The brain can respond to treatments more effectively at younger ages, which can make interventions more effective. As your child gets older, those interventions might include speech therapy, occupational therapy, mental health counseling, and whatever else you and your health care team believe will help your child thrive. The ultimate goal is "making the symptoms more manageable and enhancing life as much as possible," says Dr. Silverman.
While an autism diagnosis may seem worrisome, autistic people can and do lead happy and fulfilling lives. Learning your child is on the spectrum is not a bad thing, nor should it be viewed in a negative light. Still, you may be wondering how you can best handle your child's condition.
Depending on your child’s symptoms, one or more of these therapies may be useful:
While there are no guarantees or set answers, the prognosis for a child with autism can be influenced by early intervention and treatment, according to the Autism Research Institute (ARI). While autism is not reversible, there are evidence-based treatments that can help and support people with autism.
That said, it's important to note that many autistic people do not want to be "treated" or "cured." Many view their autism diagnosis as a difference that makes them exactly who they are—and who they were meant to be.
