Autism is a disorder characterized by communication difficulties and social impairments. Three to six children in a thousand may be afflicted with autism, more often males, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Signs and symptoms can be seen in early childhood and even infancy (before the child's first birthday). Though there are no cures for autism, behavioral therapies, medications and interventions can help improve the condition.
Smiling/ Babbling
Autism signs vary from child to child. They can be missed in children with mild forms of autism who are mildly affectionate. Early indicators may be present in degrees and can sometimes be noticed within months of a child's life. Generally, the first few signs an infant might make to interact with his parents include smiling and babbling. An infant with autism will skip this phase of development, however.
Social Impairments
While young infants may not be responsive to their name, an infant of three months or older should recognize his name and respond. An infant without autism could wave in excitement, bounce in his seat, or make noises to express interest. A child with autism, however, is socially impaired and many times unable to respond normally. Infants with autism may convey poor eye contact, focusing on items instead of people and not paying attention to new faces. In addition, an autistic child will not follow objects with his eyes or grasp objects by three months of age, according to Parents.com.
Games and Sounds
By seven months of age an infant is able to play games like pattycake and peek-a-boo. An autistic child, however, will have no interest in such games. Sounds will not attract him, nor will objects within reach. He may not be affectionate and have little interest or curiosity about people.
Crawling, Talking and Pointing
As an infant progresses, he should be crawling, speaking some words and pointing to objects. An autistic child might be unable to do these things by the time he reaches 12 months of age. In addition, he may not be standing with support, as other kids of the same age should. When some or all of these symptoms are apparent, talk to your doctor, as early detection may yield greater potential for improvement.
