y 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 diagnosed with high functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome. Young children might be misdiagnosed as having social communication disorders or developmental disorders.
A study of 300 girls by the Cleveland Clinic suggests autistic females are less likely to exhibit “classically male” symptoms. These include restricted interests, difficulties in social situations, episodes of intense aggravation, and self-harm.
These girls are often labeled as having developmental delays, but without the diagnosis of autism, their access to resources and care become limited. The Cleveland Clinic recommends being proactive and seeing your pediatrician if you notice any signs your daughter might be autistic, especially if she is in between regular medical check-ups.
When can my child be diagnosed with autism?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an autism diagnosis can be appropriately given at 18 months of age or sooner. Doctors screen for autism spectrum disorders at the nine-month, 18 month, 2-year, and 3-year wellness checkups. Many children with autism do not receive an official diagnosis until they reach the age of two or three. It is often after the child has started school. This is when the child’s challenges in social skills become obvious. It is never too late to get a diagnosis and begin identifying resources to help make life with autism easier.
The earlier a child gets a diagnosis (especially in his/her formative years of development), the sooner the child can start therapy or treatment.
When to see your pediatrician
During checkups, your child’s pediatrician will assess developmental progress. In between appointments, however, you may notice signs of autism or suggestions your child is not developing similarly to his/her peers. He/She may not engage with you the same way other babies engage with their parents, or he/she may exhibit some of the other symptoms listed above.
If you feel something is amiss, consult your child’s pediatrician to run a series of diagnostic exams. These exams are non-invasive and 