What are the Most Important Signs of Autism?

At any age, signs of autism spectrum disorder can become apparent. These signs can range from loss of speech, babbling or previously acquired social skills, avoiding eye contact, persistent preference for loneliness, difficulty understanding other people's feelings, delayed language development, and persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia). Additionally, resistance to minor changes in the routine or surroundings is also a common sign. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that health professionals check for early signs of autism in the checkups of an 18- and 24-month-old child.

This is because most children with autism spectrum disorder show signs before they are two years old, which may make early diagnosis and intervention possible. When looking for early signs of autism spectrum disorder, there are developmental milestones that children are expected to reach certain ages, such as babbling at four months of age and being able to use simple sentences by age two. The number of signs autistic children have varies according to their age and the effect that autism has on their daily lives. However, children with autism spectrum disorder often show some signs of developmental delay before age 2.As such, a significant proportion of children with autism spectrum disorder will become adolescents and non-verbal adults.

Some children show signs of autism spectrum disorder in early childhood, such as reduced eye contact, lack of response to their name, or indifference to caregivers. It is possible to see signs of autism in newborn babies and young children, such as delayed development of babbling and not responding to its name. If you want to check your child's behavior and development for early signs of autism, you can download ASDetect, a free, evidence-based application developed by La Trobe University and suitable for use with children aged 11 to 30 months. Autism is a lifelong condition, and symptoms and signs of autism may first appear when a child is very young.Early detection is key when it comes to managing the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.

By recognizing the most important signs of autism in young children, parents can seek help from health professionals who can provide appropriate interventions and support.