Autism Spectrum Disorder
Get a Free Consultation with a Speech TherapistAutism Spectrum Disorder
Get a Free ConsultationAbout Our Approach
About Our Approach
Signs of Autism
Though diagnoses usually do not occur until children are in school, there are signs of autism that can occur as early as 12 months. The following are red flags of autism:
Not Making Eye Contact
12-month-year-olds like to make eye contact with others, especially when communicating with their caregivers. Babies who do not make eye contact when communicating with their caregivers may have autism.
Lack of Shared Enjoyment
12-month-year-olds like to make eye contact with others, especially when communicating with their caregivers. Babies who do not make eye contact when communicating with their caregivers may have autism.
Not Following a Pointed Finger
12-month-year-olds understand the concept of pointing. Not looking at the object their caregiver is pointing to may be an early sign of autism.
Making Repetitive Movements
Repetitive actions refers to behaviors such as waving arms repeatedly, or making the same repetitive movement with a toy. Some 12-month-olds without autism conduct repetitive movements, however, they occur more often in kids with autism.
Limited Play With Toys
A 12-month-old with autism tends to play with only select toys, or just focus on a piece of a toy rather than play with the whole toy.
Not Imitating Sounds or Actions
Young children tend to copy the actions of their caregivers such as waving, clapping, or imitating speech sounds. Not imitating their caregivers gestures and sounds is an indicator of autism.
Not Making Gestures or Pointing
At 12 months, babies should begin making gestures to indicate what they want or to communicate to others. Examples include reaching their arms up when they want to be held, waving to people, and shaking their heads no and nodding yes. They should also begin pointing to objects to either bring attention to something (a dog) or to indicate that they want a desired object (a toy). Children who are not making gestures or pointing objects may have autism.
Not Babbling
Babbling is the term for the stage in child language development in which children experiment with talking by uttering articulate sounds that are not recognizable words. At the age of 12 months, typically-developed babies will begin babbling both alone and as if they are having a conversation with someone. If a caregiver is present, the child should make eye contact with the other person while babbling.
Not Responding to Their Name
Children with autism are able to hear their name called, but do not properly respond to the call. Many parents with autistic children initially think that their child has difficulty hearing. A hearing test should be given to diagnose if a child does not respond to their name due to a hearing problem, or if it is a symptom of Autism.
What to Do If Your Child Shows Signs of Autism
While the above symptoms are typically shown at around 12 months, there are more serious indicators of autism that may occur around 18 to 24 months. Children with autism at this age may display a loss of social connection, communication skills, or a loss of words. Though this symptom is only present in less than half of autistic children, it is a serious red flag for autism if the regression occurs.
Contact us to learn more about our approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder by calling us at (323) 328-8412 or emailing us at info@speechtherapylosangeles.com
Want to Help Improve Your Child’s Speech?
Without proper speech therapy, children with speech disorders can spend months or even years in speech therapy without making significant gains. Our in-home speech therapy can help.
What to Do If Your Child Shows Signs of Autism
While the above symptoms are typically shown at around 12 months, there are more serious indicators of autism that may occur around 18 to 24 months. Children with autism at this age may display a loss of social connection, communication skills, or a loss of words. Though this symptom is only present in less than half of autistic children, it is a serious red flag for autism if the regression occurs.
Contact us to learn more about our approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder by calling us at (323) 328-8412 or emailing us at info@speechtherapylosangeles.com.
Get a Free Speech Therapy Consultation
In-home speech therapy is founded on a team approach that gives your child their best chance of success. Contact us today to learn how our in-home speech therapy approach can help your child.
