Few expressions, delayed babbling or talking, avoiding eye contact, hand flapping and repeated sounds are a few ways to identify autism early in your child.

Our son began showing autistic traits very early, we wanted to ignore these signs, however deep down we knew something wasn’t right with his development. Whether new parent or a seasoned veteran, we all excitedly await our little one’s developmental milestones. Our parental instinct kicks in immediately when they are born & many ASD parents will tell you that they “knew” something was not right very early. Here are some ways to identify autism early in your child’s life so that you can begin your journey to getting them the support that they need.

• #5 Way to Identify Autism: REPEATED SOUNDS or WORDS
• #4 Way to Identify Autism: HAND FLAPPING or ROCKING
• #3 Way to Identify Autism: NOT MAKING EYE CONTACT
• #2 Way to Identify Autism: NO BABBLING OR DELAYED SPEECH
• #1 Way to Identify Autism: FEW OR NO EXPRESSIONS

# 5 Way to Identify Autism Early- REPEATED SOUNDS or WORDS

WHAT IS IT? Many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will exhibit something called echolalia, which is the repetition of sounds or words (think echoing). This is actually a normal part of language development for most children, therefore if this is the only sign your young child is presenting with then there may be no need for concern.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE? Every child is different and for some ASD kiddos echolalia is used as a coping mechanism, for others it may be a way to express stress or anxiety, and at times it is used as a method for practicing language skills. There are many different types of echolalia and allowing your child to express themselves in this way can be helpful for their communication and development.

#4 Way to Identify Autism Early- HAND FLAPPING or ROCKING

WHAT IS IT? Hand flapping and rocking are just two examples of repetitive self-stimulatory behaviors that are also referred to as stimming. Stimming itself is not uncommon, most people stim in some form or fashion. Some examples include but are not limited to twirling hair, biting nails, or humming.

Children with ASD typically have little to no social awareness and their stemming behaviors may be disruptive to others. At times these behaviors can also be destructive and dangerous to themselves or those around them.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE? These behaviors are a way for an individual with ASD to cope with intense emotions, relive pain or discomfort, or to express excitement. These behaviors may occur frequently and may last long periods of time.

#3 Way to Identify Autism Early- NOT MAKING EYE CONTACT

WHAT IS IT? All babies develop and meet their milestones at different times. Some infants may begin making eye contact as early as six to eight weeks, however some perfectly healthy babies may not do so until around 3 months of age. If your infant has reached six months of age and is still not making eye contact while you are interacting with them, it may be cause for concern.

NOW WHAT? Lack of eye contact alone is not enough to identify autism, this could also be an early sign of vision issues. If your child is not making eye contact at the age of six months it is wise to make an appointment with a professional to rule out any vision issues.

#2 Way to Identify Autism Early – NO BABBLING or DELAYED SPEECH

WHAT IS IT? Babbling and cooing are integral steps in a baby’s communication development. You may notice sounds coming from your little one as early as two months of age however it is more typical to start hearing more baby ramblings around four to six months old. If your baby has reached this age and is still silent DO NOT PANIC, keep in mind the language milestones are averages and every child is different. If at age 11-13 months your little one has not begun making sounds, it may be cause for concern.

NOW WHAT? Delays in language development can occur due to a variety of causes. If you are concerned make an appointment with a professional that can check for hearing or speech impairments. Early intervention can make a world a difference in outlook for your child’s future development.

#1 Way to Identify Autism Early – FEW or NO EXPRESSIONS

WHAT IS IT? Perhaps you have noticed that your baby is not smiling or expressing other joyful emotions like other babies you have interacted with, or perhaps your little one has yet to laugh. Around three to five months of age these expressions of emotion are common and are sometimes even expressed earlier. Around six months of age babies can often distinguish between sounds from others expressing emotions and will turn their heads toward these sounds. They make begin to mock your actions and expressions, such as frowns, coughs, or sticking out your tongue. Fear is an emotion that your child may express as early as seven to eight months of age. If by 10-12 months your little one has not begun showing emotions, it may be cause for concern.

NOW WHAT? Always keep in mind that all of our children are different and the milestones you find in books and online are averages. However, if your little one is presenting with two or more of the ways to identify autism early that are listed on this page then I would recommend seeking out a professional for an examination. Early intervention with any developmental issue can have positive implications for our little ones and is strongly encouraged.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional. These tips come from my own personal experience as a momma of four beautiful children. Use these tips at your own risk and discretion.