First signs of Autism/Asperger’s in babies and toddlers
• Doesn’t make eye contact when being fed or changed
• Doesn't smile when smiled at
• Doesn't respond to his/her name or to the sound of a familiar voice
• Doesn't point or wave goodbye or use other gestures to communicate
• Doesn’t follow objects visually
• Doesn’t follow the gesture when you point things out
• Doesn’t make noises to get your attention
• Doesn’t initiate or respond to cuddling
• Doesn’t imitate your movements and facial expressions
• Doesn’t reach out to be picked up
• Doesn’t play with other children or share interest and enjoyment
• Doesn’t ask for help or make other basic requests
Other Early signs of Autism/Asperger’s in babies and toddlers
• Can have a large head circumference
• Can have tongue tie
• Feeding problems – breast and bottle – arching body away from nipple/teat
• Gastric reflux
• Arching body backwards when picked up (from 1 month)
• Bathing problems – not liking baths or hair washing (from birth)
• Sleep problems – not sleeping for more than an hour at a time
• Crying isn’t soothed by parent picking up
• Light sensitive
• “Flat” facial expression (facial affect)
• Easily startled by new objects or sounds
• Frequent ear infections
• Texture affected with solid food
• Needing to stand up to poo (in the same spot in the house)
• Lining up cars and other objects
• Likes to do things over and over – robot like actions • Likes to watch spinning objects – fans, wheels on cars •Doesn’t learn from other children modeling e.g. how to ride a tricycle
• Wanting to wear the same clothes every day
• Distressed by changes in routine
The following list of developmental delays do warrant an evaluation by your child’s pediatrician:
- By 6 months: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions. By 9 months: No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions. By 12 months: Lack of response to name. By 12 months: No babbling or “baby talk.” By 12 months: No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving. By 16 months: No spoken words. By 24 months: No meaningful two-word phrases that don’t involve imitating or repeating.
I hope this helps identify those first signs. Remember the best outcome is with early intervention!
©Nelle Frances