Signals Before Age 3: How to Identify Childhood Autism Early
As parents, we all eagerly anticipate every milestone in our children’s early years. The first smile, the first word, and the first steps are moments we cherish. But when it comes to childhood autism, being aware of the early signs before the age of 3 can make a world of difference. Early identification allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve a child’s development and quality of life. Let’s explore the key “signals” that parents and caregivers should watch out for.
Social Interaction: The First Clues
Lack of Eye Contact
One of the most noticeable early signs of autism is a lack of eye contact. In the first few months of life, most babies naturally make eye contact with their caregivers when they are talked to or fed. However, a child with autism may avoid looking directly into someone’s eyes or have very brief eye contact. For example, if you’re cooing at your baby and they consistently look away or seem disinterested in meeting your gaze, it could be a cause for concern.
My friend Lisa noticed this with her son, Ben. Even as an infant, Ben rarely looked at her when she spoke to him. She would try everything, from making funny faces to using colorful toys, but he would only glance at her briefly before looking away. This lack of sustained eye contact was one of the first red flags that led her to seek further evaluation.
Limited Response to Their Name
Another important social cue is how a child responds to their name. By around 6 – 9 months, most babies turn their heads or show some sign of recognition when their name is called. But children with autism may not respond, as if they haven’t heard you. It’s not that they have a hearing problem; rather, it’s an indication that they may have difficulty processing social stimuli.
For instance, in a playgroup setting, while other children immediately look up when their parents call them, a child with autism might continue playing with a toy, seemingly oblivious to their name being called. This lack of response can be especially concerning when it persists over time.
Absence of Social Smiling
Social smiling is a fundamental way babies communicate their happiness and connection with others. Typically, babies start smiling socially at around 2 – 3 months. A child with autism, however, may smile rarely or only in response to internal stimuli, like when they are alone with a favorite toy. They may not smile back at you when you smile at them, which can be a stark contrast to the warm, reciprocal smiles of other babies.
Language Development: Delays and Unusual Patterns
Delayed Babbling
Babbling is an important precursor to speech. Most infants start babbling sounds like “ba – ba,” “ma – ma,” or “da – da” by around 6 months. If a child hasn’t started babbling by 12 months, it could be a sign of a communication delay, which is often associated with autism. This delay isn’t always an immediate indication of autism, but it should prompt further observation and possibly a professional evaluation.
For example, my neighbor’s daughter, Mia, didn’t start babbling until she was almost 15 months old. Her parents initially thought she was just a late bloomer, but as time went on and there were other concerning signs, they decided to consult a pediatrician.
Limited Vocabulary and Speech
By 18 months, most children have a vocabulary of around 10 – 20 words and can start combining words to form simple phrases. In contrast, a child with autism may have very few words or no words at all by this age. Some may even lose words they had previously learned, which is a particularly worrying sign.
Take the case of Alex. He was saying a few words like “mama” and “dada” at 12 months, but by 15 months, he stopped using those words altogether. His parents were puzzled and worried, and it was this regression in language that led them to seek an assessment for autism.
Unusual Speech Patterns
Even if a child with autism starts speaking, they may exhibit unusual speech patterns. Echolalia, which is the repetition of words or phrases, is common. A child might repeat what others say immediately (immediate echolalia) or hours, days, or even weeks later (delayed echolalia). They may also use language in a very literal way and have trouble understanding figurative language, jokes, or sarcasm.
For instance, if you say, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” a child with autism might look outside expecting to see actual cats and dogs falling from the sky.
Behavioral Patterns: Repetition and Rigidity
Repetitive Movements
Repetitive behaviors are a hallmark of autism. Children may engage in actions like hand – flapping, rocking back and forth, spinning objects, or lining up toys in a specific order. These behaviors are often self – soothing for the child, but they can be quite noticeable and different from the typical play behaviors of other children.
I once saw a little boy at the park who spent the entire time spinning a top. He would stop it, pick it up, and spin it again, over and over, without showing any interest in the other children or the playground equipment around him.
Intense and Restricted Interests
Children with autism often develop intense and restricted interests. They may become fixated on a particular topic, such as trains, planets, or numbers, and spend hours learning everything they can about it. This focus can be so all – consuming that it interferes with their ability to engage in other activities or interact with others.
For example, a child who is obsessed with trains may only want to play with train toys, watch train videos, and talk about trains. Any attempt to divert their attention to something else can result in a tantrum or distress.
Resistance to Change
Autistic children usually prefer routines and can become extremely upset when those routines are disrupted. Something as simple as changing the route to school, the order of their bedtime routine, or the brand of cereal they eat can trigger a meltdown. This resistance to change stems from their need for predictability and control in their environment.
What to Do If You Notice These Signals
If you notice any of these “signals” in your child, it’s important not to panic. While these signs can be indicators of autism, they can also be present in children with other developmental delays or no disorder at all. The first step is to talk to your pediatrician. They can conduct a preliminary evaluation and may refer you to a specialist, such as a child psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or speech – language pathologist, for a more comprehensive assessment.
Early intervention services, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, can be extremely beneficial if autism is diagnosed. These therapies can help your child develop essential skills in communication, social interaction, and daily living.
In conclusion, being aware of the early signs of autism before the age of 3 is crucial for parents and caregivers. By paying close attention to your child’s social interaction, language development, and behavioral patterns, you can potentially catch autism early and ensure that your child receives the support and intervention they need to thrive. Remember, every child is unique, and early identification and intervention can make a world – changing difference in their lives.