Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects individuals differently and can be diagnosed as early as infancy.

It is crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of the early signs of autism in infants, as early intervention can greatly improve outcomes for children with ASD. While every child develops at their own pace, there are certain red flags that may indicate a potential concern. In this article, we will explore the early signs of autism in infants and provide guidance on when to seek further evaluation.

1. Lack of Eye Contact

One of the earliest signs of autism in infants is a lack of eye contact. Typically, babies begin to make eye contact with their caregivers within the first few months of life.

However, infants with autism may avoid eye contact or seem disinterested in engaging visually with others. They may also have difficulty following objects with their gaze.

2. Delayed or Absent Babbling

Babbling is an important milestone in a child’s language development. Infants with autism may exhibit delayed or absent babbling.

While all babies babble at their own pace, a lack of vocalizations or limited variety of sounds could indicate potential communication challenges.

Smiling is a typical social behavior seen in infants as young as a few weeks old. However, infants with autism may exhibit a lack of social smiling or may smile less often than their peers.

They may also have difficulty responding to smiles or facial expressions from others.

4. Limited Gestures

Gestures, such as pointing, waving, and showing objects, are important communication skills that typically develop during infancy. Infants with autism may demonstrate delays or impairments in using and understanding gestures.

This can hinder their ability to interact and communicate with others.

5. Repetitive Behaviors

Repetitive behaviors are a hallmark feature of autism. In infants, these behaviors may manifest as repetitive body movements, such as hand flapping, rocking, or spinning. They may also show intense and narrow interests in specific objects or activities.

6. Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities are common in individuals with autism. Infants with autism may exhibit heightened or decreased sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.

They may become distressed or exhibit unusual reactions to sensory input.

Infants with autism may display a lack of social interest or engagement with others. They may not respond to their name being called, show little interest in interacting with caregivers, or have difficulty imitating facial expressions or movements.

8. Delayed Motor Skills

While every infant develops motor skills at their own pace, significant delays in achieving motor milestones can be an early indication of autism.

Examples of delayed motor skills include late crawling or walking, weak muscle tone, or unusual body movements.

9. Difficulty with Transitions

Infants with autism may struggle with transitions and changes in routines. They may become upset or distressed when their environment or daily activities are altered.

Difficulty with transitions can be a result of the rigidity and difficulty adapting to new situations commonly seen in individuals with autism.

10. Lack of Pretend Play

Pretend play is a crucial component of early childhood development. Infants with autism may demonstrate a lack of imaginative play or pretend play skills.

They may not engage in symbolic play activities, such as pretending to feed a doll or talk on a toy phone.

If you notice any of these early signs of autism in your infant, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist for further evaluation and guidance.

Early intervention services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions, can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism. Remember, every child is unique, and developmental milestones may vary, but being aware of these early signs can help ensure timely support and interventions for your child’s development.