In every step of a baby’s growth, parents are always filled with expectations and joy, while also shouldering the responsibility of careful observation, guidance, and protection. However, in the process of a baby’s growth, there are some subtle yet important changes that may signal a condition that requires our vigilant attention – autism. Today, let’s explore the early signs that may indicate autism, so that parents can timely detect and take action.
1. Lack of social interaction
A healthy baby, from a very young age, will show a special interest in faces, enjoy gazing into others’ eyes, and interact with people through smiling, babbling, and other ways. However, if a baby shows a lack of response to facial expressions, voices, or actions of people around them, does not seek eye contact proactively, or appears indifferent or avoids interaction when others try to engage, this could be an early sign of autism.
2. Delay in language development
Language is an important tool for children to express themselves and understand the world. If a baby reaches the age when they should start speaking (usually around 1 year old) but remains silent, or if they speak but only repeat vocabulary without meaningful dialogue and communication, this also requires parents’ vigilance. Children with autism often experience delays in language development, struggling to understand or use language for effective communication.
3. Repetitive stereotyped behaviors
Children with autism often exhibit excessive attachment and repetitive behaviors towards specific objects or activities, such as arranging toys repeatedly, spinning objects, or repeating the same phrases. These behaviors may seem harmless but are actually the child’s way of coping with the uncertainty and complexity of the world through fixed patterns. If parents notice similar behavioral patterns in their baby and if these behaviors significantly affect their daily life and learning, then consideration of autism is necessary.
4. Sensory sensitivity or insensitivity
Children with autism may also exhibit abnormalities in sensory processing. They may be overly sensitive or hypo-responsive to certain stimuli like sounds, lights, touch, etc. For example, some babies may be extremely fearful of sudden noises, while others may have a subtle response to painful stimuli. These sensory abnormalities are also a possible clue to autism.
5. Restricted emotional expression
Children with autism often have limitations in emotional expression. They may struggle to understand and express their own emotions, as well as fail to resonate with others’ emotions. Therefore, even in the face of care and love from family or friends, they may appear indifferent or respond with flat emotions. This emotional detachment not only puts children with autism at a social disadvantage but also makes it difficult for them to form deep emotional connections.
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