Did you know autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be detected in babies, infants and toddlers, yet many children on the spectrum do not receive a diagnosis until the ages of two or three?
This article overviews the main symptoms and characteristics of autism in babies and toddlers in an effort to help more parents and caregivers get an early diagnosis for their children.
Diagnosing children with autism spectrum disorder
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) cites four major “classic” symptoms which are often used by pediatricians to diagnose children with autism:
- Poor communication skills
- Restricted interests
- Stimming and repetitive behaviors
- Limited to no verbal skills
However, many of the above are almost impossible to see in a small baby who is not yet in the age range of talking or developing interests. This means many parents do not seek diagnosis until a later stage, and their child might miss out on the benefits of early intervention.
So, let’s break down some of the early signs of autism parents can look out for.
What are the early signs of autism in babies?
Every infant and adult with autism spectrum disorder will display unique symptoms, but there are several key traits that may point to autism.
1. Lack of physical engagement with parent
Autistic babies might not engage with their caretaker the same way neurotypical infants do. For example, a baby with autism might not respond to cooing or will ignore movements such as waving and clapping.
2. Limited eye contact
A mother might notice her baby does not make eye contact while nursing. Autistic babies might have difficulty smiling or giggling. Additionally, autistic babies may be fussier and harder to console than their neurotypical peers.
3. Sensory processing challenges
Early signs of impaired social interaction may appear at six to nine months when neurotypical babies will start to imitate and respond to the people around them. Babies with autism spectrum disorder will often not smile back or laugh when playing a silly game, and some may stare blankly and appear oblivious to the game. Others might even show distress at the sound of laughing. However, an upset or loud voice might not startle nor mean anything to them.
Other developmental milestones they might not meet include responding to their name. They might also not babble at six months, which is usually when neurotypical babies start doing so. By 18 months, most babies engage in imaginative play. Infants with autism, however, will likely show no interest or become flustered.
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What are the signs of autism in toddlers?
Toddlers with autism generally exhibit a progression of the symptoms expressed during infancy. Autistic toddlers may express frustration via tantrums or outbursts.
Diagnosing autism in toddler boys is markedly more common than in girls. Boys (and some girls) aged two to four often begin to show symptoms associated with autism such as:
Symptoms of autism are likely to become more obvious as the toddler begins to meet other kids in school or daycare and struggles with social skills.
2. Restricted interests
The child might have a fascination with one or two types of toy or topic and little interest in other play.
3. Sensory issues
Sensory dysregulation is often harder for a toddler to manage as they receive intense stimuli that neurotypical children enjoy. Distressing events might include birthday parties or group outings.
Pronounced difficulty connecting with their caretakers. Issues spotted when the child was a baby will continue.
4. Challenging behaviors
Aggressive or apathetic relationships with caregivers might develop. Aggression might be a sign of frustration, fear, or pain that the toddler is attempting to communicate.
How signs of autism in girls differ to boys
Early signs of autism are sometimes clearer in boys than in girls. According to child behavior specialists at the Cleveland Clinic located in Ohio, only one in three children diagnosed with autism is female. Only one girl to every nine boys is di