Dear Kimberlie,
I’m a new mom to a beautiful baby boy, and like any parent, I want the best for him. Lately, I’ve been reading about childhood development and came across information about autism. I know early intervention is important, so I want to make sure I’m aware of any early signs. Can you help me understand what to look for so I can be proactive if needed?
– Ms. Naomi, Queens, NY
dear ms. NAOMI,
Congratulations on your little one! Your question touches on a topic that many new parents wonder about, and I’m so glad you reached out. Understanding the early signs of autism is a powerful way to ensure your baby’s development stays on track and to connect with support when needed. Let’s take a closer look at the key things to notice during your child’s early years.
Why Early Signs Matter
First, let’s talk about why these signs are important. The earlier we notice developmental differences, the sooner we can help children access resources and support. This doesn’t mean we’re rushing to a diagnosis—it simply means paying attention to patterns that might indicate your child would benefit from extra guidance.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often identified through differences in how a child communicates, interacts socially, and behaves. The signs can be subtle at first, but knowing what to look for helps us take proactive steps.
Social Interaction: Building Connections
One of the earliest signs of autism can be differences in how a baby engages socially. Think about the small ways your child connects with you—making eye contact, smiling, or responding to their name.
For example, most babies love gazing into their caregiver’s eyes during feeding or playtime. If your little one avoids eye contact or doesn’t seem interested in these interactions, it might be worth noting. Similarly, by around 6 to 9 months, babies typically start recognizing and responding to their name. If your baby doesn’t turn toward you when you call them, it’s a behavior to observe.
Another area to watch is social engagement, like smiling back when you smile or cooing in response to your voice. These back-and-forth interactions—what we often call “serve-and-return”—are an important part of early development. If your baby isn’t engaging in these ways, it could be an early sign of autism.
Communication: Babbling, Gestures, and Words
Language development is another key area. Babies usually start babbling by around 6 months and saying simple words like “mama” or “dada” by their first birthday. If your child isn’t babbling or seems slower to start using words, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Some children with autism may also use language in unique ways. For instance, they might repeat phrases out of context (a behavior called echolalia) or develop a preference for speaking in an unusual tone.
Another sign to watch for is the use of gestures. Babies typically wave, clap, or point to objects to communicate by their first birthday. If these gestures are missing or delayed, it could be a reason to explore further.
Behavior: Repetition and Focus
Let’s talk about behavior. Babies and toddlers often explore the world with curiosity, but autism can sometimes show up as repetitive actions or a strong focus on specific objects. For example, you might notice your child flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or fixating on a spinning toy for long periods.
While repetitive behaviors aren’t always a concern, when paired with other signs, they can provide clues about a child’s development.
Sensory Sensitivities: Experiencing the World
Many children with autism have unique sensory experiences. Your baby might be unusually sensitive to certain sounds, textures, or lights—or, on the flip side, they may seem less reactive to things that typically grab a baby’s attention, like a loud noise or a sudden change in their environment.
For example, some babies with autism dislike being cuddled or avoid certain fabrics, while others seek out sensory input by pressing their faces against objects or staring at patterns like ceiling fans.
What If You Notice These Signs?
Ms. Naomi, the most important thing to remember is that noticing these behaviors doesn’t mean your child has autism—it’s just a sign to take a closer look. You know your baby better than anyone, so trust your instincts. If something feels different or concerning, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your pediatrician.
Doctors typically start with developmental screenings during well-baby visits, but if needed, they can refer you to specialists for a more detailed evaluation. The goal is always to provide support that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs.
A Message of Hope
Parenting is a journey of discovery, filled with milestones, surprises, and moments of reflection. Being proactive doesn’t mean worrying at every turn—it means celebrating the little victories while staying attuned to your child’s growth.
If your baby does have autism, know that early intervention can make a world of difference. Therapies like speech, occupational, and behavioral interventions are designed to help children build communication, social, and life skills that empower them to thrive.
Thank you, Ms. Naomi, for taking this first step by reaching out. Your question isn’t just about your baby—it’s about creating a loving, supportive environment that embraces every child’s unique way of growing. If you have more questions or need guidance as you navigate this stage, don’t hesitate to write again.
Warmly,
Kimberlie
P.S. If you or any of your colleagues have any additional questions about autism, feel free to reach out to me via email at DearKimberlie@AppliedBehaviorAssociates.com. Let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can and will make a difference!
Why Early Signs Matter
First, let’s talk about why these signs are important. The earlier we notice developmental differences, the sooner we can help children access resources and support. This doesn’t mean we’re rushing to a diagnosis—it simply means paying attention to patterns that might indicate your child would benefit from extra guidance.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often identified through differences in how a child communicates, interacts socially, and behaves. The signs can be subtle at first, but knowing what to look for helps us take proactive steps.
Social Interaction: Building Connections
One of the earliest signs of autism can be differences in how a baby engages socially. Think about the small ways your child connects with you—making eye contact, smiling, or responding to their name.
For example, most babies love gazing into their caregiver’s eyes during feeding or playtime. If your little one avoids eye contact or doesn’t seem interested in these interactions, it might be worth noting. Similarly, by around 6 to 9 months, babies typically start recognizing and responding to their name. If your baby doesn’t turn toward you when you call them, it’s a behavior to observe.
Another area to watch is social engagement, like smiling back when you smile or cooing in response to your voice. These back-and-forth interactions—what we often call “serve-and-return”—are an important part of early development. If your baby isn’t engaging in these ways, it could be an early sign of autism.
Communication: Babbling, Gestures, and Words
Language development is another key area. Babies usually start babbling by around 6 months and saying simple words like “mama” or “dada” by their first birthday. If your child isn’t babbling or seems slower to start using words, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Some children with autism may also use language in unique ways. For instance, they might repeat phrases out of context (a behavior called echolalia) or develop a preference for speaking in an unusual tone.
Another sign to watch for is the use of gestures. Babies typically wave, clap, or point to objects to communicate by their first birthday. If these gestures are missing or delayed, it could be a reason to explore further.
Behavior: Repetition and Focus
Let’s talk about behavior. Babies and toddlers often explore the world with curiosity, but autism can sometimes show up as repetitive actions or a strong focus on specific objects. For example, you might notice your child flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or fixating on a spinning toy for long periods.
While repetitive behaviors aren’t always a concern, when paired with other signs, they can provide clues about a child’s development.
Sensory Sensitivities: Experiencing the World
Many children with autism have unique sensory experiences. Your baby might be unusually sensitive to certain sounds, textures, or lights—or, on the flip side, they may seem less reactive to things that typically grab a baby’s attention, like a loud noise or a sudden change in their environment.
For example, some babies with autism dislike being cuddled or avoid certain fabrics, while others seek out sensory input by pressing their faces against objects or staring at patterns like ceiling fans.
What If You Notice These Signs?
Ms. Naomi, the most important thing to remember is that noticing these behaviors doesn’t mean your child has autism—it’s just a sign to take a closer look. You know your baby better than anyone, so trust your instincts. If something feels different or concerning, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your pediatrician.
Doctors typically start with developmental screenings during well-baby visits, but if needed, they can refer you to specialists for a more detailed evaluation. The goal is always to provide support that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs.
A Message of Hope
Parenting is a journey of discovery, filled with milestones, surprises, and moments of reflection. Being proactive doesn’t mean worrying at every turn—it means celebrating the little victories while staying attuned to your child’s growth.
If your baby does have autism, know that early intervention can make a world of difference. Therapies like speech, occupational, and behavioral interventions are designed to help children build communication, social, and life skills that empower them to thrive.
Thank you, Ms. Naomi, for taking this first step by reaching out. Your question isn’t just about your baby—it’s about creating a loving, supportive environment that embraces every child’s unique way of growing. If you have more questions or need guidance as you navigate this stage, don’t hesitate to write again.
Warmly,
Kimberlie
P.S. If you or any of your colleagues have any additional questions about autism, feel free to reach out to me via email at DearKimberlie@AppliedBehaviorAssociates.com. Let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can and will make a difference!
Comments will load here