Symptoms and red flags to watch out for from 12 months to 3 years
Updated: Apr 8, 2020
Autism Spectrum Disorder can be diagnosed before the age of 3. Some children with ASD show signs within the first few months of being born. While others, symptoms may not show up until 2 years (24 months) or later. In some cases, children with an ASD seem to develop typically until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop acquiring new skills, or they lose the skills that they once used to possess. Studies have shown that one third to half of parents of children with an ASD noticed a problem before their child’s first birthday (12 months), and nearly 80%–90% saw problems by 2 years of age (24 months).
Not all children with autism show all the symptoms and signs. Many children who don’t have autism may also show a few. That’s why seeking a professional evaluation is crucial.
The following may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, ask your paediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation right away:
By 12 months of age
Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
Limited or no eye contact
Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions
Little or no babbling
Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching, waving
Little or no response to name
By 16 months of age
Very few or no words
By 24 months of age
Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)
At any age
Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
Avoidance of eye contact
Persistent preference for solitude
Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
Delayed language development
Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
Restricted interests
Repetitive behaviours (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colours
References:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html
2. https://www.autismspeaks.org/signs-autism
#autismquotient #sayyestoearlyintervention #autismdemystified #missionautismindia #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #ActuallyAutistic #autismawareness #worldautismawarenessday #ananyalearningcentre #ananya #ananyacdc #cdc #childdevelopment #autism #asd #april2 #blog #newblog #autismblog