Being the first born and only grandchild, everyone in the family is so fond of C. His parents have big dreams for him.
As he was growing, he was like any other child until he reached 10 months of age. He seemed not to look at people, nor responding to his name anymore. When someone tries to play with him, asking him to do "flying kiss", "close open", he did not mind as if no one was playing with him.
At 18 months, C was not saying any words yet. He was still incapable of doing communicative gestures like waving bye-bye or pointing.
By age 2, C had no vocabulary and still babbling like a 6 month old. He was hyperactive- running around aimlessly, mesmerized by spinning objects like the blades of the electric fan. His mother noticed all these alarming behavioral manifestations, but clinged to the common belief that boys develop later than girls. And that C will soon catch up.
The early behavioral manifestations of Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) may show at 12 months of age but valid screening can be obtained when child reaches 16 months of age.[1].
According to First Signs , the very early indicators, the so called RED FLAGS of Autism include:
1. failure to elicit social smile and other joyful expressions by 6 months of age and thereafter
2. no back and forth sharing of sounds and smiles by 9 months of age and thereafter
3. no babbling by 12 months
4. no gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye) by 12 months
5. does not say single words by 16 months
6. does not say 2 word spontaneous phrases by 24 months (not just echoing)
7. losing language or social skills at any age
A baby visits a pediatric clinic every month for wellness check up.
And these things should not be missed during routine developmental examination done by a Pediatrician. The daily observation of parents and other household members are of utmost importance as well. If any or all of these signs are observed in a child, it is not conclusive of Autism , but rather indicates the need for further evaluation by a Developmental Pediatrician or Pediatric Neurologist. Your Pediatrician should be the one to give you referral.
Other behavioral manifestations that are commonly observed according to the Mayo Clinic are as follows:
e.g. rocking, spinning, hand flapping
2. Develops specific routines or rituals
e.g. arranging objects in same direction
3. Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routine or rituals
4. Moves constantly
5. May be fascinated by parts of an object
e.g. spinning wheels of toy car, electric fan, hands of clock
6. May be unusually sensitive to light, sound, touch but oblivious to pain
There are milestones that girls develop at a faster pace than boys, e.g. fine motor ( like holding tiny objects, writing) and language. Boys on the other hand develop at a faster pace than girls when it comes to gross motor skills (running, balancing). But children achieve developmental milestones at their own pace and do not necessarily follow the exact timeline most parenting books would say. Children with Autism usually show significant signs of delay in development mostly at age 18 months[2]. As a parent, if you have that gut feeling that there might be something wrong with your child, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Keep in mind that early diagnosis and appropriate intervention can make a difference and can lead to better prognosis.
Photo Credits:
Red flag on beach ; Boy playing with toy cars on a table by Stuart Miles
References:
1. Autism Speaks - Learn the Signs of Autism
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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