Signs Of Autism In Toddlers

Autism is a developmental disorder that when detected early, may still be corrected. It can manifest itself even at infancy. Many people have the wrong impression that autism does not set in until the child is older. But the truth is, there are already signs of autism in toddlers that must not be ignored. Early intervention increases the chances of helping a child overcome the problem.

Speech and motor skills are the clearest indicators of a child’s developmental progress. Comprehension, too, can give a clue as to whether a child is at risk for autism. Although there are differences in the rate of development of each individual, there are markers at certain levels to guide parents about the normal growth of their children. It is these markers that are the points of reference when checking for signs of autism in toddlers or even older kids.

The layman’s method of measuring an infant’s growth other than the usual physical characteristics like height, weight and size of head, is whether they can walk, talk, recognize and appropriately respond to what is going on around them. Parents often worry when other children of the same age are able to accomplish things while their babies have yet to reach a particular milestone. Panicking may not be necessary but awareness of what to look out for, such as signs of autism in toddlers, is crucial.

More than the pediatrician, it is the parents who are able to closely observe the child, including their behavioral responses. At the early stages of development, careful attention must be given to specific areas because it is easy to miss signs of autism in toddlers or young children. The cost of this lapse in detection could be high, especially in terms of reversing or correcting the condition.

It is important to understand that in trying to detect autism at an early stage, parents should not look for abnormal behavior. Rather, it is when a child does not exhibit the normal behaviors during that age that the problem may be at the onset. So signs of autism in toddlers is not throwing tantrums if he does not get what he wants, but when a child does not call attention by making noises as they are wont to do.

Toddlers and infants are notorious for imitating people around them. When they don’t, take note of this. Reaching out to be picked up is normal behavior. Children should respond when their name is called by a voice they are familiar with. If smiled at and they don’t smile back, these are signs of autism in toddlers. So are the absence of gestures to communicate like pointing or even waving goodbye.

Parents are often of the impression they have very “good babies” when they are mostly quiet, make no demands or are independent even at a very early age. It is not to say these children have autistic tendencies but it merits closer observation.

Specialists have one advice for parents who may detect certain signs of autism in toddlers: do not take a wait-and-see attitude. Time if of the essence to reverse the brain wiring that causes autism. The earlier the intervention is done, the better the chances the child will not have to struggle with the problem.