April is World Autism Month. Autism affects 1 in 68 children (in the USA). Early intervention is vital to minimise the damage it can cause and so the earlier it can be diagnosed, the better the treatment available. As your child grows and develops, the signs of autism can become clearer but it is possible to identify certain warning signs from as early as 18 months old. In this article, we are going to look at the common signs and symptoms of autism in children.
The key to identifying signs of autism is to closely monitor your child’s development. Here are some key indicators based on their age:
- 6 Months: Your child should be able to provide big smiles and other joyful, happy expressions.
- 9 Months: Your child should be able to share sounds, smiles and other facial expressions.
- 12 Months: Your child should be babbling, responding to their name and be capable of other gestures such as pointing and waving.
- 16 Months: Your child should be starting to talk.
- 24 Months: Your child should be capable of at least two-word phrases that aren’t simply repetition.
If you’re child hasn’t reached any of these milestones, then it’s imperative that you book in an evaluation with your pediatrician.
Early Signs of Autism in Babies and Toddlers
As well as the key developmental indicators mentioned above, there are some other early warning signs you should be looking out for, including if your baby doesn’t:
- Make eye contact when being fed or being smiled at
- Visually follow objects or gestures such as pointing
- Communication gestures such as waving goodbye
- Make noise to get your attention
- Respond or initiate cuddling when picked up
- Notice or care if you’re hurt or uncomfortable
Early Signs of Autism in Young Children
As your child gets older, there are more signs and symptoms that you can be look out for, including social, language and non-verbal communication issues. Here is a closer look on what these signs are:
Social
- Difficulties in playing and making friends
- Doesn’t engage in group games or play with toys creatively
- Finds talking about and expressing feelings difficult
Even the most basic social interaction can be impossible for children with autism.
Language
- Using an abnormal voice or tone when talking
- Repeating the same phrase and words without intending to communicate them
- Repeats a question when being asked something instead of responding to it
- Uses language incorrectly by often referring to themselves in the third person
Nonverbal Communication
- Using facial expressions that don’t match what they’re saying
- Fails to pick up on other people’s facial expressions and tone of voice
- Can come across very cold as they fail to make many gestures, such as pointing
- Reacts unusually to certain sounds and sights – this can often include overly sensitive to loud noises
- Abnormal posture
- Increased clumsiness
If you are concerned about your child or feel that they are exhibiting some of these signs and symptoms of autism, then it’s important to see your pediatrician for an early evaluation as soon as possible.
Cord Blood Stem Cells for Autism
Cord blood stem cells are currently being used in clinical trials to treat autism. At Cells4Life, we have released cord blood samples for autism at the Duke University Hospital, USA. Saving your baby’s cord blood at birth is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve the most powerful stem cells they will ever have. These stem cells are currently being used to treat more than 85 medical conditions and are a subject of many on-going clinical trials.
Want to learn more about how to preserve your baby’s cord blood at birth? Speak to one of our representatives now at +97143116613 or download a FREE Info Pack here.
Resources:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/does-my-child-have-autism.htm