How to Recognize Signs of Autism Spectrum in Young Kids

A lot of children with autism might show changes in how they grow when they’re babies and toddlers, especially in the way they talk and socialize.

However, children with autism typically hit the usual milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking on time. So, the smaller differences in things like pointing, pretend play, and talking with others might not be noticed by families and doctors.

Here are the most common signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder and how to recognize them in young kids:

3 Autism Spectrum Disorder Sings to Watch Out For

1. Regression in skills and developmental milestones

Around 25% of children who are later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may start using a language and then suddenly or gradually stop. This often occurs between 15 and 24 months of age, when they may also become more socially withdrawn.

This change is known as a regression in skills. It’s a noticeable shift where previously acquired abilities are lost or diminished. Applied behavior therapy can help immensely with these. While there are some pros and cons of ABA therapy, it’s still one of the most successful therapies available.

2. Language differences with ASD

Nearly all children with autism spectrum disorder have delays in nonverbal communication and spoken language. ABA therapy helps a lot in addressing these key aspects and assisting in the development curve of the child.

Before signing up for this treatment, be aware of the most common language differences associated with ASD:

Labels usage

A child with autism might know the words of certain objects, but it will not request them. They might use words for objects before even starting to use words for people or family members.

Echoing and repeating

Many young children have a phase where they repeat what they hear. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might continue repeating what they hear for a longer time. They might also repeat dialogue from movies or conversations, imitating the tone of voice they heard.

This is called echoing or parroting. Those with a later diagnosis may actually meet the language milestones in development. Although unusual, they also might end up talking more like an adult rather than a toddler.

3. Complete lack or delays in joint attention

A key difference in how kids on the autism spectrum develop, compared to those without ASD, is a delay or absence of joint attention. Fact is, most children with ASD have delays in joint attention skills.

Doing lots of back-and-forth social interactions, like sharing emotional expressions, sounds, and gestures, is known as reciprocal social interaction, and it’s a foundation for later communication and social skills.

Joint attention stages by age

Joint attention has different stages, as children with autism usually have a delay or lack of social communication skills in each stage. For this reason, it’s important to subject your little one to ABA therapy as soon as the earliest diagnosis arrives.

By 12 months:

At this point, usually, most kids can quickly look where a parent points. After that, they look back at the parent and copy their expression, usually a smile.

Children with autism, though, might seem like they’re ignoring the parent, and this might make parents concerned about their child’s hearing.

By 15 months:

Within a year and three months, most kids can point to things they want but cannot reach.

A child with autism might do something different. They might take a parent’s hand and guide them to the object without making much eye contact. Sometimes, they might even put the parent’s hand directly on the object.

By 18 months:

At this point in the development, kids point at things that catch their interest. Then, they check back and forth between the object and the parent to make sure the parent is paying attention.

Children with autism spectrum disorder, on the other hand, might point to something because they want the parent to fetch it, not because they want to share the joy of looking at it together.

Summary

If you’re worried about how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves, talk to your pediatrician. You know your child well, and your concerns matter.

Working with your pediatrician, you can figure out the best way to support your child. You shouldn’t wait when you recognize specific signs, so take action early as it can make a big difference in your child’s development.