Parents\u00a0are\u00a0left feeling\u00a0helpless when they notice\u00a0that\u00a0the\u00a0child seems to live in their\u00a0“own world”\u2014not responding to their name,\u00a0not\u00a0making\u00a0eye contact, or not playing with others. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)\u00a0is\u00a0often\u00a0confused\u00a0or missed in early childhood, especially in\u00a0milder forms.
The\u00a0thing\u00a0is,\u00a0symptoms\u00a0of autism\u00a0appear\u00a0in\u00a0infancy, but because these\u00a0symptoms\u00a0can be subtle, they’re easy to overlook. By the time more\u00a0prominent\u00a0symptoms arise, the condition may already be\u00a0harder\u00a0to manage.
To help parents and caregivers\u00a0look\u00a0out for\u00a0early signs, here\u00a0are\u00a017 common behaviors that\u00a0can\u00a0indicate mild autism in children\u2014especially when they\u00a0happen\u00a0frequently\u00a0and over\u00a0a duration of\u00a0time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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1. Lack of response to sounds or name-calling<\/strong> \u2013 No reaction when being called or engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Difficulty interacting with peers<\/strong> \u2013 Prefers to play alone or shows no interest in group play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Resistance to change<\/strong> \u2013 Becomes upset or anxious when routines are disrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Unusual reaction to new environments<\/strong> \u2013 Displays strong discomfort or detachment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Delayed or absent babbling\/echolalia<\/strong> \u2013 Does not mimic sounds or speak at an expected age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Fascination with spinning or arranging objects<\/strong> \u2013 Enjoys repetitive organizing or rotating items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Sudden, unexplained laughter or odd sounds<\/strong> \u2013 Emotional expressions may not match context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Struggles with typical learning approaches<\/strong> \u2013 Rejects conventional educational methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9. Unusual play behaviors<\/strong> \u2013 Uses toys in atypical ways or engages in repetitive play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10. Uncoordinated physical movements<\/strong> \u2013 Odd walking patterns, difficulty pointing or holding objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11. Reduced sensitivity to pain<\/strong> \u2013 May hit or bang head without showing distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12. Lack of eye contact or facial responsiveness<\/strong> \u2013 Avoids looking into others\u2019 eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13. Strong attachment to specific items<\/strong> \u2013 Insists on certain foods or objects, e.g., only eating tomatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14. Frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts<\/strong> \u2013 Intense reactions without obvious cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15. Hyperactivity or extreme passivity<\/strong> \u2013 Unusual energy levels not consistent with environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16. Discomfort with physical affection<\/strong> \u2013 Avoids hugs or close contact with family members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17. Lack of danger awareness<\/strong> \u2013 No attempt to dodge objects or protect themselves from harm. Catch\u00a0it\u00a0early. If you\u00a0notice\u00a0a\u00a0number\u00a0of the above signs in your child,\u00a0attempt\u00a0to\u00a0do\u00a0an\u00a0informal\u00a0autism\u00a0screen\u00a0or\u00a0find\u00a0a pediatric developmental specialist\u00a0to\u00a0provide\u00a0a professional evaluation. The earlier the\u00a0intervention\u00a0begins, the better the outcomes\u00a0will be\u00a0for your child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Answer YES<\/strong> or NO<\/strong> to the following questions. If you answer YES<\/strong> to multiple items, especially across different categories, consider consulting a developmental specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat can parents do?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It\u00a0is intimidating to have\u00a0an autistic child, but with\u00a0tolerance,\u00a0understanding, and the right\u00a0resources, families can\u00a0establish\u00a0warm,\u00a0loving\u00a0environments where children\u00a0develop\u00a0at their own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\nQuick Autism Red Flag Checklist (Ages 6 Months \u2013 3 Years)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Area<\/strong><\/th> Question<\/strong><\/th> Yes \/ No<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Communication<\/strong><\/td> Does your child rarely respond when you call their name?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> <\/td> Does your child not use gestures (e.g., pointing, waving)?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> <\/td> Is your child not speaking any words by 16 months?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> Social Interaction<\/strong><\/td> Does your child avoid eye contact?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> <\/td> Does your child prefer to play alone rather than with others?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> <\/td> Does your child seem uninterested in other people\u2019s emotions or reactions?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> Behavior<\/strong><\/td> Does your child have repetitive movements like spinning or flapping hands?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> <\/td> Does your child show intense attachment to certain objects or routines?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> <\/td> Does your child become extremely upset by small changes in routine?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> Physical Development<\/strong><\/td> Does your child walk, sit, or move unusually for their age?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> <\/td> Is your child unusually sensitive (or not sensitive) to pain?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> Sensory Reactions<\/strong><\/td> Does your child ignore loud sounds or overreact to certain noises\/textures?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr> Emotional Regulation<\/strong><\/td> Does your child have frequent, unexplained meltdowns or mood swings?<\/td> \u2610 Yes \u2610 No<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n? Interpretation:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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