The role of accurate information is hard to skip. This is particularly true for a parent or a caregiver wanting to learn anything about their child’s development and growth. As you are reading this post, it can be assumed that your child is showing delays in their development process. If that’s true, autism might be a possible cause behind that and it’s important you learn about it.
Autism is a complex disorder. It can impact how an individual speaks, communicates, and socializes. However, you must note that it is hard to spot, as every child can show different symptoms. Yet, the good part is that autism can have an early diagnosis. After that, you can enroll your child in early intervention ABA programs.
In this post, let us dive into the role of early diagnosis of autism and the signs to identify it.
Why Does Early Diagnosis of Autism Matter?
Diagnosing autism in a child opens the possibility for early interventions. Your child can take advantage of tailored programs for their special needs. These can target the communication, social, and language development of your little one. Early diagnosis, followed by an intervention, can matter in many ways. A child’s initial years are crucial for brain development. Several studies show the role of early intervention in language, cognitive, and social-emotional functioning. It can also result in progress in learning.
What Are The Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Before we go ahead and learn about the signs of autism, it’s important to understand this condition. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means individuals can have varied symptoms encompassing various areas. Some can have difficulty in making conversation; others might manifest repetitive behaviors. This means autism can be different for everyone, yet there are common signs you can look out for.
In some children, you can see the signs of autism as early as their infancy period. However, other children might seem to show no signs till they have crossed a few months or years of their lives. They can suddenly become withdrawn or show that their prevailing language skills are lacking. Usually, the signs can appear when around the age of two.
Take a look at the early signs of autism:
Signs of Autism in an Infant
A child with autism might show signs like less or no big smiles or other expressions of joy, warmth, and engagement. You might find them making very little and limited or no eye contact. These signs can be seen as early as six months. Additionally, here are the other symptoms for babies from six to 12 months:
● Responding weirdly to new faces
● Trouble following things with eyes
● Overreacting to certain noises
● A low or lack of interest in interactive games
● Limited chattering or imitating sounds
● Unusual body movements
Signs of Autism That Toddlers Can Show
A child of 16 months can show signs like speaking fewer or no words. By the time they reach 24 months, they barely speak any meaningful phrases. As a parent or caregiver, you might provide them with verbal instructions.
However, you can see they do not follow those. The child might show other signs like repetitive movements and activities. For example, putting objects in lines. Here are other signs to look out for:
● An active interest in unusual things
● Walking on toes instead of the feet
● Very little or no speech action
● Limited gestures
● Less imitation of others
Signs of Autism that a Child Can Show Up to the Age of 3 (36 Months)
Often, a child can be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder after they have reached the age of 3. Fortunately, this gives parents or caregivers time to seek treatment for autism, such as ABA therapy. What’s more amazing is how easily these professionals are available. No matter whether you live in L.A. or Denver, ABA therapy is just a click away. However, before that, let us walk you through the common signs of autism spectrum disorder in a child of 3 years of age:
● Trouble following the basic verbal instructions
● Limited or no sensitivity to several sensory expressions, such as thirst, pain, hunger, etc
● Sensitivity beyond normal for several sensory experiences, covering sight, sound, smell, and more
● Lesser interest in interacting with other children or in imaginative play
● Being stubborn about playing with certain toys, actions, or activities
In addition to these, here are some common signs you can observe at any age:
● Limited interest
● Constant repetition of phrases or even words
● Lesser eye contact
● Trouble understanding other people’s emotions
● Slow language development
● The absence of earlier obtained speech or babbling
What to Do Next?
If your child shows the above-stated symptoms, it’s important to seek professionals for a confirmed diagnosis.
You must also learn about autism spectrum disorder on your own. You can join a support network for parents or caregivers of other children with autism. However, early intervention holds a major importance. You can look for applied behavior analysis providers around you.
Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Opting for early intervention provided by ABA therapists opens the possibility for treatment. It aims to:
● Modify the behavior
● Provide a tailored learning plan
● Positively reinforce the desired behavior
● Teach them various skills for daily living
● Improve their communication, academic, and social skills
Conclusion
This post aimed to guide the readers towards the early signs of autism. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means every child can have varied symptoms. Commonly, one can show signs like trouble making eye contact, socializing, repetitive behaviors, slow language development, and more.
Fortunately, there is a way out. After observing the initial signs of autism and seeking a diagnosis, you can reach out to ABA professionals for early intervention. ABA is a behavioral therapy supported by evidence and sciences. Early intervention can help a child with autism modify their behavior, teach them the desired way of acting, develop life skills, and enhance their communication, academic, and social stances. The best part is that professionals for applied behavior analysis are easily available. Whether you live in New York or Denver, you can get ABA therapy solutions with just a few clicks.