6 early signs of autism in children
Autism is a common developmental and neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 children. It develops early in life, usually in 2-year-old children. To recognize autism spectrum disorder and get an early diagnosis, parents should learn about the warning signs of the condition. One should also get their children screened for autism spectrum disorder. Early diagnosis ensures that those affected get the necessary intervention and treatment options to improve their quality of life. Avoiding eye contact Most infants and toddlers can maintain eye contact with people around them. At just two months, babies can find faces and make eye contact with the people talking to them. Eye contact is also crucial for building a social relationship and being aware of the surroundings. Children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may not maintain eye contact as much as other children do. If one notices their child increasingly avoiding eye contact, this could be an early sign of autism. Delayed speech Kids begin with mumbling and move on to words and sentences at varying ages. However, those with autism have been found to understand fewer words and instructions at 12 months than non-autistic children. If one has not developed the ability to form individual words or a few phrases comfortably by the age of 2, it can be an early sign of autism.