As a parent, it can be both exciting and daunting to watch your baby grow and develop. You eagerly anticipate your little one reaching various milestones, such as rolling over, crawling, and eventually taking their first steps.

However, it can also be concerning when you notice that your child isn’t hitting these milestones as quickly as other babies their age.

While every baby develops at their own pace, it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of autism so that you can seek out a diagnosis and early intervention if necessary. Here are some key things to look out for:.

Delayed Speech and Communication Skills

One of the most common early warning signs of autism is delayed speech and communication skills. Babies usually start to babble and make cooing sounds around 6 months of age, and they often say their first words between 12 and 18 months old.

However, children with autism may not begin to speak until after their second birthday.

Other communication red flags to look out for include:.

Not responding to their name when called
Not waving goodbye or hello
Not pointing at objects or people to show interest
Not making eye contact while being spoken to

Social Interaction Difficulties

Children with autism may also have difficulty with social interactions. They may seem to prefer playing alone rather than with other children, and may not show interest in sharing toys or playing cooperatively.

They may also struggle to understand social cues such as body language and facial expressions, making it harder for them to build relationships with others.

Routine and Repetitive Behaviors

Another hallmark of autism is a tendency towards routine and repetitive behaviors.

For example, a child with autism might become extremely upset if their daily routine is disrupted, or they might engage in repetitive movements such as rocking or, hand-flapping.

Sensory Sensitivities

Autism can also cause sensory sensitivities. Children with autism may be overly sensitive to certain textures, sounds, and smells, making them feel overwhelmed or upset in certain situations.

Alternatively, they may seek out sensory input, such as spinning around or flapping their hands in front of their eyes.

Unusual Play Patterns

Lastly, children with autism may exhibit unusual play patterns. They might become fixated on one particular toy or activity, playing with it for hours on end.

They may also struggle to play imaginatively, preferring instead to line up toys or engage in repetitive movements.

When to Seek Help

If you notice any of these early warning signs, it’s important to speak to your pediatrician or a child development specialist as soon as possible.

While these signs do not necessarily mean that your child has autism, they could be indicators of other developmental delays or disorders that would benefit from early intervention.

An autism diagnosis can be scary, but the earlier you can catch it, the better the chances of your child benefiting from early intervention services such as behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

These therapies can help your child build the skills they need to communicate effectively, interact with others, and navigate the world around them.

Conclusion

While it’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, knowing the early warning signs of autism can allow you to seek help early on if necessary.

Keep an eye out for delayed speech and communication skills, social interaction difficulties, routine and repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and unusual play patterns. And remember, early intervention is key to helping your child reach their full potential.