Autism Spectrum Disorder: Signs to Look for in the First Year

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with the world. ASD is usually diagnosed in childhood and can have a huge impact on learning and development. It is important for parents to recognize the signs of ASD in their child’s first year of life so that they can seek help as soon as possible.

Here are some signs to look out for in the first year of your child’s life:

Communication

• Does not respond when spoken to, or does not make eye contact
• Minimal expressions or reactions to facial expressions
• Doesn’t babble, use gestures, or make noises
• Reacts differently to certain sounds or noises

Social Interactions

• Does not initiate or respond to social interactions
• Avoids physical contact
• Enable to interact with others, but still respond inappropriately
• A lack of interest in other children and adults
• Unusual reactions and behavior can trigger around unfamiliar people

Routine

• Demands that certain routines be followed rigidly
• Feels distressed if routines are disrupted
• Becomes overly fixated on certain objects or toys
• Unusual attachments to inanimate objects or toys

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it is important to seek help and advice from a healthcare professional. Early intervention can be vital for helping a child with ASD reach his or her potential.