7 Early Signs of Autism Every Parent Should Know

Summary

This video highlights subtle red flags that may indicate autism in young children, particularly around the age of 12 months. It discusses signs such as inconsistent eye contact, lack of gestures, repetitive movements, and difficulty sharing enjoyment with others. The presenter emphasizes that these behaviors do not necessarily mean a child has autism but suggests that parents consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation if these signs are observed. The video also offers a developmental checklist and tips for encouraging communication and interaction in young children.

Takeaways

• 👁️ Not consistently using eye contact to communicate, like looking at an adult to initiate or continue play, may be a subtle red flag of autism.
• 🙋‍♀️ Babies typically use a range of gestures by 12 months, such as pointing, waving, and holding up their arms to communicate. Lack of these gestures can be a red flag.
• 🔄 Difficulty responding to gestures or copying actions, such as waving or clapping, is another indicator of potential developmental concerns.
• 😊 Babies naturally share their interest and enjoyment with others, like looking back at you during play or showing toys. Not doing so can be a red flag.
• ♻️ Repetitive actions or movements, like turning lights on and off or flapping hands, can signal autism if done frequently and not part of varied play.
• 👂 Not responding consistently to their name being called, especially after a few tries, may be a sign of developmental challenges or hearing issues.
• 🗣️ Not babbling in a conversational way by 12 months, where the baby uses varied pitch and directs babble toward others, can be a red flag.
• 💬 Lack of words by 12 months is common, but gestures like pointing and clapping should still be present as key forms of communication.
• 🔍 Some children might use alternative ways to communicate, such as grabbing hands to lead adults to objects, instead of gestures like pointing.
• 🛑 If these behaviors persist over time, they may indicate developmental delays, warranting a check-up with a healthcare professional.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video aims to walk viewers through subtle red flags that may indicate autism in very young children, focusing on signs that could prompt further assessment by a doctor or allied health professional.

Does showing some of these red flags automatically mean a child has autism?

No, showing some of these red flags does not automatically mean a child has autism. It may suggest that a doctor or allied health professional should be consulted for further assessment.

What is the first red flag mentioned in the video?

The first red flag is that a child is not consistently using eye contact to gain attention, which is typically seen in activities like sharing something or requesting an action.

What is the importance of gestures in identifying early signs of autism?

Gestures, such as pointing, waving, or raising hands, are key communication tools for babies. Not consistently using gestures to communicate can be a red flag for autism.

What might indicate a child is having difficulty responding to gestures?

If a child does not respond to gestures like pointing or copying actions such as clapping or waving, it could be a red flag for autism.

How do toddlers typically share their interest or enjoyment with others?

Toddlers typically share their interest by smiling, laughing, pointing at objects, or showing toys to others. A lack of this behavior might indicate difficulty in social interaction, which is a red flag.

What are some examples of repetitive actions that might be red flags?

Examples include repeatedly turning light switches on and off, watching fans spin, or playing with objects in the same manner over and over, such as watching sand fall or spinning toy wheels.

What does the video mention about body movements that could be red flags?

Repetitive body movements, such as hand flapping, walking on toes most of the time, or running in circles, are mentioned as possible red flags if they are consistent and persistent forms of play.

How important is a child’s response to their name as an indicator?

Consistent response to their name is important. If a child does not respond to their name being called, especially after multiple attempts, it can be a red flag, though hearing issues should also be considered.

What should a parent look for in terms of babbling at 12 months of age?

At 12 months, a child should be babbling in a conversational way, using different pitches and responding to the person speaking. A lack of babbling or absence of conversational tones may be a red flag.