What are the early signs of autism in young children?
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Early Signs of Autism in Young Children
Diminished Social Interaction and Communication
One of the earliest signs of autism in young children is a noticeable decline in social interaction and communication behaviors. Research indicates that infants who are later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often show a significant reduction in gaze to faces, shared smiles, and vocalizations to others by 12 months of age. These behaviors, which are typically present at 6 months, tend to diminish over time in children with ASD, highlighting a developmental trajectory that diverges from typically developing children.
Reduced Eye Contact and Social Reciprocity
Another early indicator of ASD is reduced eye contact and social reciprocity. Case studies have documented that infants showing early signs of autism often exhibit diminished eye contact and reduced social engagement within the first few months of life. These early behavioral signs are critical for early identification and intervention, which can significantly improve developmental outcomes.
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests are also common early signs of autism. These behaviors can include repetitive movements and a strong preference for specific activities or objects. Such signs are often reported by parents and can be observed as early as the first year of life . These behaviors are part of the core diagnostic criteria for ASD and are essential for early detection and diagnosis.
Delayed Social, Communication, and Motor Skills
Delays in social, communication, and motor skills are frequently observed in children who are later diagnosed with ASD. Studies have shown that by 18 months, children with ASD often exhibit delays in these areas, along with increased suspicion of vision and hearing problems. These developmental delays are significant predictors of ASD and highlight the importance of early screening and assessment.
Parental Observations and Reporting
Parents often notice early signs of autism before clinicians do. Research has shown that parents are more likely to detect early behavioral signs based on their day-to-day observations compared to clinicians during brief office visits. This discrepancy underscores the importance of parental input in the early identification process and suggests that parents' observations can be more reliable indicators of ASD.
Importance of Early Screening and Intervention
Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in children with ASD. Studies emphasize the need for very early screening and preemptive intervention to promote optimal developmental trajectories . Early intervention can significantly diminish symptom severity and improve social, communication, and cognitive skills, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for children with ASD and their families .
Conclusion
Early signs of autism in young children include diminished social interaction and communication, reduced eye contact, repetitive behaviors, and developmental delays in social, communication, and motor skills. Parental observations play a critical role in the early detection of these signs. Early screening and intervention are essential for improving developmental outcomes and should be prioritized to ensure timely support for children with ASD.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A prospective study of the emergence of early behavioral signs of autism.
Case report: Preemptive intervention for an infant with early signs of autism spectrum disorder during the first year of life
The prodrome of autism: early behavioral and biological signs, regression, peri- and post-natal development and genetics.
Exploration of caregiver experiences of reported first signs of Autism.
Continuity of trajectories of autism symptom severity from infancy to childhood.
Autism spectrum disorder and autistic traits in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children: precursors and early signs.
Parent and clinician agreement regarding early behavioral signs in 12‐ and 18‐month‐old infants at‐risk of autism spectrum disorder
The warning signs of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review
Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers: A Follow-Up Study in the Danish National Birth Cohort
Early identification of autism spectrum disorders
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