Every child is unique, and every child grows at his or her own pace. However, there are particular developmental milestones that all children should be reaching by particular ages. If your child is not meeting those milestones within the standard window of expectation or you notice anything unusual about their development or behavior, don’t wait! Consult your doctor.
One of the most significant things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn about the early signs of autism in infants and toddlers, and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should reach.
The autism diagnosis age and intensity of autism’s early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. For instance, if a baby fixates on objects or does not respond to people, he or she may be exhibiting early signs of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
In other cases, behavioral issues don’t become clear until the age of two or three.
Not all autistic children show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is necessary.
Toddlers may fail to respond to their names, lack joint attention, avoid eye contact, or engage in repetitive movements such as rocking or arm flapping. They may play with toys in abnormal ways, like lining them up or concentrating on parts of toys rather than the whole. Parents who notice these signs, or are concerned their children are not meeting developmental milestones, should contact their pediatricians and request a developmental screening.
Early diagnosis and early intervention are essential. If your child has been newly diagnosed with ASD, one thing that can be a challenge is explaining autism to a child. It’s an important step in making sure that the child can come to terms with their condition and understand that it’s something that they need to be aware of.
People often worry that having a diagnosis will negatively “label” a child, making people think that they’re “weird” and hurting her opportunities and her self-confidence.
In fact the opposite is often true. Having a diagnosis also implies that your family is eligible for key support networks, therapies and services, which can be transformative.
One of the most significant things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn about the early signs of autism in infants and toddlers, and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should reach.
The autism diagnosis age and intensity of autism’s early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. For instance, if a baby fixates on objects or does not respond to people, he or she may be exhibiting early signs of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
In other cases, behavioral issues don’t become clear until the age of two or three.
Not all autistic children show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is necessary.
Toddlers may fail to respond to their names, lack joint attention, avoid eye contact, or engage in repetitive movements such as rocking or arm flapping. They may play with toys in abnormal ways, like lining them up or concentrating on parts of toys rather than the whole. Parents who notice these signs, or are concerned their children are not meeting developmental milestones, should contact their pediatricians and request a developmental screening.
Early diagnosis and early intervention are essential. If your child has been newly diagnosed with ASD, one thing that can be a challenge is explaining autism to a child. It’s an important step in making sure that the child can come to terms with their condition and understand that it’s something that they need to be aware of.
People often worry that having a diagnosis will negatively “label” a child, making people think that they’re “weird” and hurting her opportunities and her self-confidence.
In fact the opposite is often true. Having a diagnosis also implies that your family is eligible for key support networks, therapies and services, which can be transformative.
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