Autism symptoms: How to understand if your child is autistic

Welcome back to Newborn Tips, today we will talk about autism symptoms, a complete guide for parents that allows you to better understand this condition that can manifest itself in very different ways from child to child, providing useful information to recognize them and deal with them with serenity.

Continue reading to find out everything you need to know and how to best intervene. Happy reading!

Table of contents

What is neonatal autism?

Understanding the early signs of neonatal autism is essential to ensure a timely diagnosis and the right support.

It should be noted right away that neonatal autism is not a widely recognized clinical term or used in scientific literature. However, it could refer to early signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that can be observed in newborns or in the first few months of life.

In particular, it is necessary to answer the following question, namely: what are autism spectrum disorders? They are a set of neurological and developmental conditions characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive or restricted behaviors, interests or activities.

Autism symptoms. Early signs in newborns

It is important to emphasize that these signs can vary and do not always indicate autism, as childhood development is highly variable.

Below we list the different early signs that can be observed in newborns or infants (0-12 months):

Lack of eye contact: Does not look parents in the eyes or does not follow their gaze. Does not focus on people’s faces
Lack of social response: Does not spontaneously smile in response to others’ smiles (lack of social smile by 3-4 months). Does not show interest in people or seek attention
Difficulty regulating emotions: Excessive irritability or apathy
Problems responding to sounds: Does not react to loud noises or respond to being called by name by 6-9 months. Seems more attracted to nonsocial sounds (e.g., an object falling) than to people’s voices
Lack of nonverbal communication: Does not use gestures such as pointing, waving, or raising arms to be picked up. Does not try to imitate facial expressions or movements
Delayed motor skill development or repetitive behaviors: May show repetitive movements such as hand flapping or rocking (although these behaviors are common in infants and do not in and of themselves indicate autism). Delayed motor milestones, such as: difficulty sitting up, rolling over, or reaching for objects
Lack of social vocalizations: Does not make sounds (such as warbling) to get attention or to interact with others by 6 to 9 months

But even then, a diagnosis of childhood autism is usually made later, around 18 to 24 months, when behaviors become more obvious.

So if you have concerns about an infant’s atypical development, it’s a good idea to see a pediatrician or child development specialist for a thorough evaluation.

What to do if you suspect a developmental delay in infants?

Observe and compare: Record your child’s behaviors and compare them to typical developmental milestones.

Consult a pediatrician: Talk to your doctor to share your observations. Your pediatrician may recommend a developmental monitor or a visit with a specialist.

Early intervention: If there are signs of concern, early intervention with targeted therapies can make a big difference in your child’s development.

Remember that every infant has their own growth rate and that any atypical signs do not always indicate autism.

Therefore, a professional evaluation is essential to clarify any doubts.

At what age does autism appear?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can begin to manifest itself in the first years of life, generally before the age of 3. However, the signs can vary based on the severity and type of disorder.

As previously mentioned, some early signs of autism include:

Before 12 months: Lack of interest in eye contact, poor social smiling, or limited reactions to one’s own name.

Between 12 and 24 months: Delayed language development, difficulty with symbolic play or gestural communication (for example, not pointing to objects).

After 2 years: Repetitive behaviors, difficulty with social interactions, and limited or very specific interests.

In some cases, symptoms may not be apparent until social demands exceed the child’s capabilities, such as during preschool or elementary school.

It is important to always remember that if you suspect autism in children, you should consult a pediatrician or specialist for a timely diagnosis.

Autism Symptoms Toddlers (1-3 Years)

As the child grows, autism symptoms may become more noticeable, as explained below:

Speech Delay: Does not say single words by 16 months or form two-word sentences by 2 years.

Restricted Interests: Focus on specific objects or parts of objects, such as wheels or lights.

Repetitive Behaviors: Gestures such as rocking, clapping, or repeating motions with no apparent purpose.

Difficulty with Social Interactions: Does not form relationships with peers, participate in group play, or show empathy.

Lack of Pretend Play: Does not pretend to feed a doll or use imaginary objects.

Sensory Sensitivity: Unusual reactions to sounds, lights, textures, or smells.

Difficulty with Eye Contact: Avoids or reduces direct eye contact with others.

If you notice these signs, it is advisable to consult a specialist, such as a child neuropsychiatrist or a therapist specialized in child development.

For this reason, early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential to promote the child’s development.

How is childhood autism treated?

Childhood autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has no definitive cure, but there are several intervention strategies that can improve the child’s social, communication and behavioral skills. Approaches vary based on individual needs and may include:

Behavioral and psychoeducational interventions: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most common approaches, which focuses on teaching appropriate behaviors and eliminating unwanted ones through positive reinforcement.

Speech and communication therapy: Helps children develop language and communication skills, using techniques such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for those who have verbal difficulties.

Occupational therapies: These therapies support children with autism in improving their motor skills and in managing daily activities, such as dressing or eating.

Psychological therapy and family support: Psychological intervention can help the child manage autistic emotions and behaviors, while family support is necessary to educate parents on the best ways to support them.

Medications: In some cases, autism medications can be used to treat specific symptoms such as irritability, hyperactivity or anxiety disorders, but there are no medications that cure autism itself.

In conclusion, every child is unique, so a personalized treatment plan, developed by a team of professionals (psychologists, neuropsychiatrists, speech therapists, occupational therapists) is essential to create a customized support path regarding the topic discussed today, namely autism and symptoms.

Newborn Tips, The Editorial Staff