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What are Common Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Identifying the early signs of autism involves observing a child’s social, communication, and behavioral patterns, typically between 6 and 18 months of age. Common indicators include:

Social and Emotional Signs

  • Limited eye contact during interactions.
  • Not responding to their name by 12 months.
  • Lack of social smiling by 2 months or sharing excitement (joint attention).
  • Not pointing to share interest or responding to social bids by 12 to 18 months.

Communication Delays

  • Delayed babbling by 6 months.
  • Fewer gestures, such as waving bye-bye, by 12 months.
  • No first words by 12 months or limited imitation of sounds.

Behavioral and Sensory Indicators

  • Repetitive behaviors, such as lining up toys or repeating specific actions.
  • A strong insistence on daily routines and resistance to change.
  • Sensory sensitivities, like overreacting to loud noises, bright lights, or specific textures.
  • Imaginative play delays, such as a lack of pretend play with dolls or stuffed animals.

Motor Skill Delays

  • Motor milestone alerts include not crawling by 9 months or not walking by 15 months.

Because these signs vary widely among children, parents are encouraged to document observations in a journal to share with healthcare professionals for early intervention.

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