Signs Of Autism In Early Childhood: Symptoms Parents Should Never Ignore

What does it mean when missed eye contact and quiet moments with your toddler or child are making you restless and overwhelmed? You are concerned whether it is normal or indicates an underlying behavioral problem. Right? It is natural for parents to get concerned when their children's behavioral patterns are not present in many others. 

In some cases, all these resolve on their own. However, limited social interaction and delayed communication can indicate subtle autism symptoms in children, sometimes, which continue over time and become noticeable when the child begins preschool. For parents, early awareness is the key to helping children achieve their potential by seeking timely professional support.

Quick Summary

Some of the key autism red flags to watch for:

• Limited or no communication

• Speech delay

• Forgetting previously learnt words

• Likes to play alone

• Avoids people and unknown surroundings

• Difficulties with eye contact

• May not respond to name when called

What Is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly known as autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition that exists on a spectrum. Autism symptoms in children vary in degree and no two children will have the same symptoms or developmental delays. In most cases, parents would be able to identify autism red flags before age two, as they appear early in a child’s life; although diagnosis may occur later.

Who Is Most Affected?

Autism signs in children begin to appear in early childhood and become prominent during the first 3 years of a child’s life. This neurodivergent condition can affect children from all backgrounds and communities, irrespective of parenting style, racial origin, and socioeconomic background. Both boys and girls can have autism. The early signs are usually noticed by parents who seem to realize that something is not right with their child. 

How Common Is It?

In India, autism is more common than most people realize. According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, 1 in 68 children in India was living with signs of autism in 2021.  Boys are more affected than girls, and their approximate ratio stands at 3:1. According to another study finding, ASD affects 1-1.5% of children in the age group of 2-9 years. About 10% of school-going children living with autism also have learning difficulties.

Common Signs and Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms of autism can best be understood by recognizing how the behaviors become noticeably different over time.

Early Signs

• Limited eye contact 

• Remains unresponsive when called by their name

• Mostly solitary play

• Dislikes interacting with other children of the same age

• Delayed speech, either babbles or shows no interest in talking

• Would hardly smile back at someone

Moderate Symptoms

All the early signs are present along with the following:

• Difficulty holding conversations

• Finds it hard to express needs

• Struggle to understand emotions

• Sensitive to bright light, loud sound, and harsh touch

• Dislikes change in surroundings

• Repetitive actions like rocking their body or flapping their hands

Severe or Urgent Warning Signs

• No speech at all

• Forgetting words taught previously

• irritability and anger over minor changes in surroundings

• Attempting self-harm

• Aggressive outbursts

• Finds it difficult to engage in self-care

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Age-Specific Differences in Symptoms

Some babies and young children may show noticeable delays in speech and social interaction, while others might have mild difficulties in these areas.

Below 6 months-

• Fewer smiles or engaging expressions with parents

• Poor eye contact

9 months-

• Cannot smile back or interact with the parent

• Limited or no use of hand or facial gestures for communication

12 months-

• Little or no babbling

• Cannot point things, reach out, or wave hands

• No response to name

By 2 years  and above

• Very few or no spoken words

• Poor gestures

• Solitary play

• Repetitive behaviors

• A preference for routine 

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening for children between 18 to 24 months by a standardized autism screening tool for early diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Normal vs. When to Worry

For a parent, recognizing the signs of autism in early childhood can be tricky. However, knowing what is typically expected and what might be concerning is important.

What Is Usually Expected

• Children showing variations in attaining developmental milestones 

• Avoid social communication due to shyness

• Minor speech delays are normal

• Variations in developing skills also vary

When it Becomes A Red Flag

• Not responding to names by 9 - 12 months

• Unable to say meaningful words by 15 to 20 months

• Loss of previously learned social skills

• Complete loss of speech 

• Doesn’t show facial expressions

• Plays with toys in a repetitive manner

Causes and Triggers of Autism

The exact cause of autism is still unknown; however, there are certain risk factors or triggers that increase the likelihood of developing autism.

Genetics: Signs of autism can be inherited. Identical twins are much more likely to develop autism than fraternal twins. 

Higher maternal or parental age: Older parents increase the risk of autism due to abnormal gene mutations.

Pregnancy complications: Low birth weight babies or babies born to mothers with low oxygen levels during birth can lead to neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.

Nutritional deficiencies of the mother: Deficiency in folic acid during pregnancy affects brain development and increases the risk of developing autism in children.

What Parents Can Do at Home

Parents can support their child at home by creating an atmosphere that helps these children learn skills at their own pace and feel loved and cared for.

Creating consistent routines: Children with autism feel calm when they know what to do next. Their meal times, sleep schedule, and activity sessions should be predictable.

Giving instructions in simple language: Using simple spoken words and non-verbal gestures such as pointing at things, showing pictures, or demonstrating actions helps them learn faster.

Extra time: Always allow them to complete tasks slowly at their own pace. This reduces their stress and makes them feel understood. 

Teaching skills step by step: Break bigger tasks into smaller ones so that they can finish one at a time.  You can use visual reminders to tell them what to do next.

Encourage playing with others: This helps to improve their social skills. Playing with others by taking turns, sharing toys, and greeting friends improves communication as well.

Praise them: Parents should appreciate their small efforts to build confidence and motivate them to gradually build skills.

When To Seek Professional Help?

If behavioral problems are persistent and interfere with daily life, there is a complete absence of speech, and social interactions don’t improve with training, even with parental support, it is recommended that autism screening be conducted by a trained professional to provide timely support and facilitate recovery.

Expert Insight Section

According to Dr. Pankaj B Borade, Consultant Psychiatrist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, “Autistic children thrive on routine and structure, so establishing a consistent daily routine can help them feel more secure and in control. Try to maintain regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and playtimes to help your child feel more comfortable and relaxed."

Signs of autism in early childhood can be a challenging experience to deal with for any parent; however, with timely professional advice, things improve over time.