| m is only one of the five Autism Spectrum Disorders | | | | speech or the delay in its development is the biggest |
| (ASDs). It is a neurological disorder that impairs the | | | | red flag for autism in babies. Signs such as not using |
| development of a child. It affects the social and | | | | single words upon reaching 16 months and two word |
| communication skills of the child as well as his or her | | | | phrases upon reaching 24 months are the most |
| activities and interests. Parents must be able to | | | | common in autism cases. Not babbling, pointing on |
| recognize as early as possible the early signs of | | | | things of interest, or similar gestures may also be |
| autism in babies. Signs may vary in severity and | | | | apparent. |
| symptom in every child and in every type of ASD. | | | | Repetitive movements - Unusual sensory interest or |
| Here are the five different Autism Spectrum Disorders: | | | | unusual body movement such as repetitive tapping and |
| Classic Autism | | | | flapping can be observed. Stereotype interest is also |
| Asperger Syndrome | | | | common like eating the same food and adherence to |
| Rett Syndrome | | | | specific routines or rituals. |
| Childhood Disintegrative Disorder | | | | It is important to remember that no one sign |
| Pervasive Developmental Disorder | | | | automatically means autism in babies. Signs must be |
| Recognizing which spectrum your child belongs is very | | | | convincing or evident and it must be the combination of |
| important in your endeavor in helping your child and | | | | several signs or all of it that must make you concern. If |
| treating him or her. You do not have to be an expert | | | | you suspect your child to be autistic or if he exhibits |
| about autism in babies. Signs must be recognized and | | | | the signs and symptoms, he must be brought to his |
| you must understand the effects, and know what to | | | | pediatrician immediately for evaluation. |
| do about it. | | | | Also, a child with ASD will develop differently from |
| Children with ASD are affected differently, with unique | | | | others. Children may be able to walk early and talk |
| challenges, symptoms, and abilities. The level of | | | | later or vice versa. Or talk early but have trouble with |
| disability and the combination of symptoms vary from | | | | basic motor skills such as walking and running. |
| one child to another. This is what makes ASD difficult | | | | There are still a lot of things that we have to work on |
| to deal with - its diversity. | | | | about autism in babies. Signs of autism become |
| Here are the red flags of autism in babies - Signs and | | | | apparent usually before the child is 3 years old. But the |
| Symptoms: | | | | thing is that the child is usually diagnosed only upon |
| Social interaction - Do not make eye contact. They | | | | reaching 4 years. |
| prefer to be alone. Do not want to be touched, hugged, | | | | In most cases, parents report not noticing the early |
| or cuddled and they line up toys or other objects such | | | | warning signs of autism until years later when they |
| as cans or water bottles. Do not smile or respond | | | | watched early home videos of their children. This is |
| when played. | | | | why it is very important for parents to observe |
| Communication skills - In most cases, the loss of | | | | carefully their babies in their development. |