Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) modifies how individuals experience and communicate with their environment. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition which emerges during early childhood [before children reach three years of age].
Parents and caregivers must detect the early signs of autism as prompt intervention and support lead to improved developmental outcomes. The guide analyses typical infant and toddler behaviours which families must identify and address to detect the early signs of autism.
Signs of Autism in Babies
The most common signs of autism in babies (ages 0 to 12 months) have been highlighted below:
- Lack of visual tracking:The baby fails to track moving objects and faces with their eyes, which indicates minimal visual interest.
- Unusual response to sound:The baby shows either increased sensitivity to loud noises or a total lack of reaction to sudden sounds.
- Minimal facial expression:The newborn shows few facial expressions, as their face remains expressionless and they display minimal smiling and frowning behaviour.
- Difficulty recognising familiar faces:There is a lack of visual preference for parents or caregivers, even during close contact.
- Indifference to sound sources:The baby shows limited auditory awareness as they fail to turn their head towards the sound source, like voices, music, or toys.
- Reduced emotional engagement:Signs of autism in babies also include the refusal to make eye contact or a lack of enjoyment when being held.
- Limited vocalisation:A baby who does not produce babbling, giggling, or squealing sounds may show early signs of language development difficulties.
Signs of Autism in Toddlers
Some of the most common signs of autism in toddlers (ages 1 to 3 years) have been highlighted below:
- Poor object interaction: The baby shows limited interest in reaching for toys, fails to grasp objects when they are placed in their hands, and shows a lack of interest in exploring nearby areas.
- Flat emotional responses: The child shows infrequent spontaneous smiling behaviour and does not reproduce facial expressions made by others.
- Avoidance of eye contact: The child shows persistent eye contact avoidance during social situations, playtime, feeding, and social interactions.
- Limited or unclear speech sounds: Early speech delay becomes evident when a child fails to produce verbal sounds such as babbling or syllables.
- Lack of gestures: The child may not wave, point, raise arms to be picked up, or use gestures to communicate wants or needs.
- Absence of joint attention: The child fails to point at objects to express interest and also fails to respond to others who attempt to get their attention.
- Difficulty standing or poor balance: Even with support, the child may appear unsteady or struggle to bear weight, indicating issues with coordination or posture.
Other Common Early Signs of Autism [Bypassing the Age Limit]
Silent Signals: When Babies Don’t Respond as Expected
A child’s autism spectrum diagnosis often becomes evident through their failure to participate in typical social engagement. Infants establish their first social connections with caregivers through facial expressions, mutual gaze and vocalisations during their initial months of life. Some children fail to display these typical behaviours.
Infants who show autism signs display three main characteristics, which include minimal eye contact and no smiling response to others and failure to turn their head upon hearing their name. The early signs of autism in children often get mistaken for personality traits or developmental delays, yet require attention because they signal autism.
1 . Lost in Their World: Limited Interest in People
Typical development includes social curiosity. Babies normally show excitement when they recognise familiar faces, while attempting to duplicate facial expressions and displaying signs of distress when separated from their parents. Autistic individuals typically show reduced engagement with people alongside other social activities.
Infants who show no reaction to others around them tend to play independently while avoiding interactive games such as peek-a-boo. The first year of life brings forth several signs of autism, which also help to identify the consequent symptoms.
2. Words That Never Come: Delayed Speech and Communication
Autism signs in toddlers are most frequently identified through delayed speech and communication difficulties. Every child develops independently, yet specific developmental markers indicate potential developmental concerns. At twelve months of age, most children start using basic words or attempt to repeat sounds they hear. At 16 months, children should begin using single words, yet two-word phrases typically develop at 24 months.
3. Timely Action Makes the Difference
The growing availability of diagnostic services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi helps detect the early signs of autism in infants to an unprecedented extent. Developmental specialists and paediatricians evaluate autism signs by observing children through structured assessments, conducting developmental tests and speaking with parents. Additional evaluations from speech therapists, psychologists and behavioural therapists will be suggested if needed.
Final Thoughts
Gaining complete knowledge about the signs of autism in babies and toddlers provides parents with an early warning system to help their children. A single autistic behaviour by itself does not indicate autism, but multiple autism-related signs in babies require further evaluation.
Parents who live in Dubai and Abu Dhabi should consult healthcare providers whenever they notice concerning symptoms. The correct interventions and identification of early signs of autism help children develop better communication abilities, learning skills and social interaction abilities. This approach enables children to achieve their individual developmental goals. Join hands with the Snappycare team to detect symptoms and identify relevant solutions for autism.