04/01/2024
TEIS
According to recent data, the average age for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is about 5 or 6, even though it can be diagnosed in children as young as 12 months.
Dr. Cynthia Martin, a psychologist and the senior director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute says that there can be signs of autism in babies as young as six months old. “That’s not going to be the case for all kids,” she says. “But in general, for the majority of kids, symptoms associated with ASD are going to be present somewhere between six months and three years.”
That might sound quite young, but autism is an early-onset disorder that is lifelong. An early diagnosis allows kids to get the support they need during the critical period of development that occurs before a child turns 5.
Signs of autism are grouped into two main categories: social communication challenges and restrictive, repetitive behaviors (RRBs). Children have to show traits from both categories to receive a diagnosis.
Before a child turns 3, there are certain social communication challenges to look out for:
— Not using hand gestures, like pointing
— Not showing or giving objects to others
— Not using gestures and words together — like saying “more” and pointing to a cup of juice
Before a child turns 3, there are certain behaviors to look out for:
— Holding and carrying toys instead of playing with them
— An intense interest in one specific thing, like water
— Strong responses to loud noises, bright lights, or itchy clothing
Read more: https://childmind.org/article/what-are-the-earliest-signs-of-autism/ -autism-symptoms-in-babies-and-toddlers
