Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. It can be diagnosed as early as 18 months and the earlier the diagnosis, the more likely there is to be a positive outcome.

Here are some red flags that parents and caregivers should look for in toddlers:.

No babbling or pointing by 12 months

A typical 12-month-old will start to babble, using sounds and syllables to communicate. They will also start pointing to things they are interested in.

A child who does not seem to be doing these things may have a delay in communication development or could indicate a potential diagnosis of ASD.

No words by 16 months

Most children learn their first words around the age of one year. At 16 months, a child should have at least a few words in their vocabulary.

If a child consistently doesn’t say any words, it may be a sign of delayed language development, and parents should seek medical advice.

No two-word phrases by 24 months

A typical 2-year-old can say at least two-word phrases, such as “my ball” or “more juice.” If a child is not saying any two-word phrases by the age of 2, it could be a sign of a language delay or even autism.

No interest in playing with others

A child with autism may prefer to play alone and may have little interest in playing with others. They may lack social skills and struggle to communicate with their peers.

Parents should note if their child is not interested in interacting with others or shows little interest in socializing, and should seek medical advice if they have concerns.

No eye contact

Eye contact is important during communication and social interaction. A child who doesn’t make eye contact or seems to avoid it may have social communication and interaction difficulties, which are common signs of Autism.

No response to their name

Most toddlers will respond to their name after 6 months old.

A consistent lack of response to their name by 12 months may be a signal that a child could have hearing problems or delayed language development, all of which can be characteristics of Autism.

Oversensitive to sights, sounds, and touch

Children with autism may find certain sights, sounds, or textures overwhelming or uncomfortable. Parents should look out for unusual reactions to bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures.

For example, a child may start crying or covering their ears when a loud sound is played or may become distressed or agitated by a change in routine if they are on the spectrum.

Repetitive behaviors

Repetitive behaviors are common in children with ASD. This could include hand flapping, spinning in circles, or lining up toys.

It’s a way for them to self-regulate, but if these behaviors interfere with their daily functioning, they may require treatment.

Lack of imaginative play

Children with autism may struggle with pretend play or imaginative play and may prefer to play with the same toys in the same way repeatedly. Indicating very limited imaginative play or lack of it.

Fixated interests

Children with autism may have a keen interest in a specific topic and become fixated on it. This could be a specific toy or object, or a particular activity or topic. They may focus on this interest to the point of excluding other activities or people.

Conclusion

The red flags mentioned above do not necessarily mean a child has Autism. However, if parents or caregivers notice one or more of these symptoms, they should seek medical advice promptly.

Early diagnosis and intervention give children with Autism Spectrum Disorder the best chance of reaching their full potential.