subject: Autism - Early Signs & Symptoms [print this page] Autism - Early Signs & Symptoms Autism - Early Signs & Symptoms
Autism is commonly referred to as a developmental disability because of its tendency to appear and began in the ages before a child turns three, which is a traditionally a child's developmental stage. In addition to this, it is also called a developmental disability because it creates delays and issues in the various skills mainly acquired during the stages from infancy to adulthood. Because it begins primarily during the stage of infancy, the integral process of early detection is mainly up to a parent.
The parent spends the most time with their infant, so if any detection was to play a role in the early diagnoses of autism, the responsibility would go to them. A parent must educate themselves on what is normal in growth and development and what isn't. Following this, a parent must monitor and be aware of your baby's development, a parent should follow up on any concern that may arise, and most importantly, a parent should always, always, always trust their instincts.
The earliest sign of autism is the inability to see what could be classified as normal behavior. This can be difficult in itself because many do not realize what it is to look for. There are not any weird, hugely unusual signs. In fact, the common signs are usually regarded as qualities quiet babies have. However, it should be realized that babies can be quiet; they just should not be all around unresponsive. An overall unresponsive baby should raise a few eyebrows. Below are a few signs that should warrant concern in a baby.
Early signs include when a baby or toddler doesn't....
Look you in the eyes, particularly while being fed
Smile at you when you smile at them
Give to you any signs of joy, whether it is through laughter, smiles, or other joyful expressions
Play with others
Enjoy others
Mimic you or the facial expressions you give them
React to you cuddling them in your arms
Try to get your attention through making noises
See and pursue objects in front of them
Reach out for you to pick them up, or reach out to you when you move to pick them up
Communicate through gestures, waves, and pointing
Respond to their name being said by the time they're a year old
Babble or participate in any other form of "baby-talk", even when you make sounds toward him or her
While this is not a 100% accurate guideline of what a baby should or should not be able to do, a significant delay or prolonging of any of these bullet points should be held as a warrant to get a second opinion. You know your child better than anyone. If any of their behaviors strike you as unusual, do not forget to follow your instinct. Instinct is truly important when detecting early signs of autism. Although autism cannot be cured, it is very possible that by detecting it as early as possible, you can minimize the potential problems and damage it could lead to. That should be remembered.
