Autism in Infants and Toddlers

The disorder associated with neurological development is known as autism. The other name of autism is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). People suffering from this disorder are known to have vitiated social interaction and problem with communication. One of the common signs of autism in infants is repetitive behavior. Although there are many causes of autism, which have been listed, the researchers are not able to ascertain the exact cause. Hereditary is listed among the causes of autism, but the scientists are yet unsure about, which are the genes that are exactly the cause of the problem. It is very difficult to recognize autism in infants, before the child is at least six months, but the symptoms are seen only gradually. Let's see the autism symptoms in infants and toddlers now.

Signs of Autism in Infants and Toddlers

Early signs of autism in infants can be diagnosed only after the infant has been observed consistently for a substantial amount of time. It is best to keep track of the child's growth and development on various fronts. One can also make use of autism symptoms checklist for the same. Although the condition is irreversible, early detection will prove to be of help in minimizing the symptoms and help the child in dealing with the society a little better. Before we read on autism in infants, it is important to remember that some child can have slow development. Hence, it is better not to judge the development of your child with your first born or with any other child.

Symptoms of Autism in Infants Between 6 to 12 Months
The most common early signs of autism is rare eye contact. The child turns its face when someone communicates with the child. However, if the child is looking at a particular object, it will keep staring at the object for a long time. There is no response to a smile from the child. At the same time, the child will not show any kind of social or emotional feelings. The child does not respond to, when it is called by its name.

Symptoms of Autism in Infants Around 12 Months
The habit of sporadic or no eye contact from the autism symptoms in infants continues. As the child grows up, the eye can be as good as no eye contact at all. The child is still not able to identify itself to its name and will not respond at all. There will be no sign of the child babbling or gesturing around 12 months either. There will be no demands from the child, unlike the children of its age.

Symptoms of Autism in Toddlers Around 16 to 18 Months
A child normally starts talking a few words latest by 15 months, but a child will display no sign of talking whatsoever. The child will not even speak the single words, which are common for a child of that age, like 'mama' or 'dada', etc. The child will not display any kind of enthusiasm and ask for anything or point to the objects he desires. It will not share any of its feelings and just keep to itself. There will be no gestures, which the child will display.

Symptoms of Autism in Toddlers Around 22 to 24 Months
The autism symptoms in toddlers is no speech at all. This is the time when the child is expected to speak at least a few words. Most of the children start speaking if not everything at least two word phrases, but a child with autism will not speak at all. There is another possibility, the child will stop making any attempts to speak. Another typical sign of autism is that the child will be able to develop the formal walking pattern. The child will either just use the heel or the toes to walk on. If the child does not understand how to push a wheeled toy by this time, it is a sign that the child has autism.

Among the signs of autism in infants and toddlers, it is important to check if the child is able to communicate its need, as most children with autism find it difficult to communicate their needs. If you notice any or some of these symptoms, it is important to have your child examined at the earliest. The earlier the treatment is started there will be some changes for the better that will be seen in the child.