Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by admin
Do you have a toddler? If so, it’s important to be able to tell early signs of autism in children. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common developmental disability in the United States.
It can include difficulties with social interactions and communication skills that are usually identified early on. This article will help you learn how to identify early signs of autism in toddlers so that they can get diagnosed as early as possible! Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder is a group of conditions that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. It’s the most common developmental disability in the United States. Someone with autism may have difficulty communicating or interacting with others (and vice versa).
There are different levels of severity for ASD (types of autism). These range from mild to severe – early signs depend on this level.
The early signs also vary depending on whether they’re associated with sensory sensitivity issues along with other disabilities such as intellectual disabilities, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What Are the Early Signs of ASD in Infants and Toddlers?
Early signs range and are different from child to child, as ASD is a spectrum and there are many kinds of autism. Early signs of autism in babies and toddlers include the following:
- Doesn’t babble or point at objects by 12 months
- Has trouble making eye contact with others
- Doesn’t make vocal sounds to express their needs
- Seems not to notice when you enter a room and doesn’t like being cuddled
- Unusual responses to people or other things they can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch (such as upset reactions when touched)
- Not responding to their name
- Prefers playing alone
- An interest in certain objects over people
The early signs also depend on whether the baby has sensory sensitivity. For example, if a toddler is hypersensitive, they may have early signs such as crying from loud sounds or too much sensation from being touched.
If a toddler is hypersensitive, they might show early signs by avoiding any physical activity that involves touching objects and instead prefers looking at what’s around them or listening.
Toddlers who have hyposensitivity are sensory seeking and are always looking for sensory stimulation. Hyposensitive children may feel the need to touch textures or people even when it’s not socially acceptable.
They might even ignore other children who try to play with them at daycare or school. Early intervention with a trained ABA therapist can change a child’s learning path and lead to more positive lifelong outcomes!
Looking for Early Signs of Autism in Young Children
We hope this article has helped you learn more about the early signs of autism in young children. If your toddler is showing any of these behaviors, it’s important to seek an evaluation as soon as possible from a professional who specializes in child development and can determine whether or not your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out more from our blog!
