How to Identify the Early Signs of Autism in Your Infant

Parenthood is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey, especially when you're navigating the early stages of your baby's development. Understanding key developmental milestones can be crucial, and one area that parents may be curious about is recognizing early signs of autism in their infants. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents differently in each child, and early intervention can significantly benefit children on the spectrum. Here, we explore 12 early signs of autism in babies, based on the experiences of a family raising two children with autism.

1. Not Responding to Your Voice

One of the earliest indicators that a baby may be on the autism spectrum is their lack of response to familiar voices. For example, a neurotypical baby often turns their head or shows excitement when their mother or father speaks. However, some babies with autism might not react, even though they may recognize the voice on some level. This was evident in one child who, despite being spoken to in soothing tones while in his crib, continued behaving as if he hadn’t heard his mother.

2. No or Limited Social Smiles

Smiling is one of the primary ways babies engage socially with the people around them. By three months old, most neurotypical babies begin to show social smiles in response to their caregivers’ attention. However, babies with autism may not return these smiles or may smile less frequently. In some cases, children might smile often, but not in a social context—it may not be tied to interactions or the emotional cues of others.

3. Unusual Fixation on Objects

While it’s common for babies to be curious about objects, especially mobiles or toys, children with autism might focus intensely on specific parts of an object for extended periods. For instance, rather than pushing a toy car across the floor, they may become fascinated by the spinning wheels or the way light hits a particular part of the car. This behavior, which involves a detailed and prolonged focus on unusual aspects of objects, can signal early autism.

4. Not Trying to Get Your Attention

From a young age, babies start to understand that their actions can draw the attention of their caregivers. Typically, a baby will reach up to be picked up or call out to a parent if they want something. However, some babies with autism might not attempt to get your attention in these ways. They may seem to be content in their own world, not signaling to caregivers when they need help or want affection.

5. Not Responding to Your Attention

Just as some babies with autism may not seek out attention, they also may not respond when their caregiver is trying to interact with them. This might involve avoiding eye contact or looking away when someone approaches. These children are often overstimulated by close interactions and may find it uncomfortable. Although they may hear their name or recognize that someone is nearby, they might not react in the way a neurotypical child would.

6. Dislike of Being Held

Some babies with autism may not enjoy being held or cuddled, which can be distressing for parents hoping to bond through physical contact. For one child, this aversion to being held extended into difficulties with feeding. They were more comfortable feeding from a bottle in a structured setting rather than through direct, close interaction with their caregiver.

7. Not Crying Unless in Need

Typically, babies cry for a variety of reasons—not just when they're hungry or need a diaper change, but also when they want comfort or attention. Some babies with autism, however, may cry only when they require something physical, such as food or a diaper change, and otherwise remain unusually quiet and content.

8. Lack of Eye Contact

Eye contact is a key part of early communication. Most babies begin making consistent eye contact with their caregivers by three months old. If a baby seems to avoid eye contact altogether, even when being spoken to or comforted, it can be an early sign of autism. This behavior might persist despite visits to the doctor confirming that their vision is perfectly fine.

9. No Interest in Peers

Babies naturally begin to notice others around them, particularly other babies or toddlers. A neurotypical baby might show curiosity toward a peer, reach out to them, or try to play alongside them. However, a baby with autism might not acknowledge or show interest in a nearby peer. They may actively avoid interaction or seem to be in their own world, uninterested in engaging with other children.

10. Not Sharing the Moment

A typical baby often seeks to share their excitement with others—whether it’s showing off a toy or looking back to see if their caregiver is watching. This is referred to as "sharing the moment," and it’s a significant milestone in social development. However, babies with autism might not do this. They may be engrossed in their own activity and not feel the need to share their joy or engage socially in this way.

11. Repetitive Hand Movements

Even in infancy, some children with autism may display repetitive behaviors, such as flapping their hands or twisting their fingers. These movements can be a form of self-soothing or a response to overstimulation.

12. Lack of Babbling or Meaningful Babbling

Babbling is a precursor to speech, and babies typically babble to engage with others and get attention. While some babies with autism might babble, they may not do so in a social way, such as trying to communicate with their parents. In other cases, babbling may be entirely absent, which can be a cause for concern as the baby grows.

Understanding and Supporting Your Baby's Development

If you notice any of these signs in your baby, it's essential to approach their development with love and understanding. Each child is unique, and the presence of these behaviors doesn't always mean a child is on the autism spectrum. However, if you have concerns, it’s a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or a specialist for a thorough evaluation.

Early intervention is key to helping children on the autism spectrum reach their full potential. The sooner autism is identified, the sooner parents can begin to implement strategies and therapies to support their child’s growth.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. EarlyDaysMom.com does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the content. Always consult with a medical professional, pediatrician, or qualified expert before making any decisions based on this information.