My son was diagnosed at 2 years old and 18 months because we do not know about autism. That is why if I want to share the early signs of autism so that you can help your child if you notice somethings that is not normal, you can get advice from your pediatrician. We understand the children develops at different rates however, a child should be able to achieve important development milestones in terms of physical, emotional, social, linguistic or behavior milestones.
Autism is a mental disorder that greatly affect social and communication skills. The person with autism affects how he communicates with and relates to other person and characterized by social and communication challenges and restricted behaviors, interests and activities. Early signs of autism usually seen in the first two years of age.
Here are the following red flags to look out:
- There is no responds to his own name by 12 months
- No pointing at object to show interest
- Do not play pretend game such as feeding a doll
- No or limited eye contact
- Has delayed speech and language skills
- Echolia (repeat words or phrases over and over.
- Has obsessive interest such as interest in numbers, letters, shapes, etc
- Flapping of hands or rocking or spinning in circles
- Give unrelated answer to your question
- Not following simple instruction such as get a doll or car
- Unusual lining of toys or object and get upset if not in order
- Follow certain routines
- Has short attention span
- Has sensory disorder
- Unusual eating and sleeping habits
Sometimes it is really difficult to spot a child with autism since every children has its own time of development. But of course, as parents, we know that there is something wrong with our children. Just follow your gut and make your child screen for autism to start early intervention.