Understanding Autism: Signs in Babies, Children, and Adults
Thursday, August 29, 2024.
As a couples therapist specializing in neurodiverse families, I know how important it is to recognize and understand the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) early on.
Whether you're a concerned parent, a supportive partner, or someone looking to expand your understanding, this guide provides an approachable overview of the signs of autism across different stages of life.
Early intervention is key to helping those on the spectrum reach their full potential.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interactions.
The term "spectrum" reflects the wide range of symptoms and severity that can vary significantly from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD (Maenner et al., 2023).
Early Signs of Autism in Babies
As a parent, you are often the first to notice the subtle signs of autism in your baby. While autism is usually diagnosed around the age of two, early indicators can be observed between 12 and 18 months. Recognizing these signs early allows for prompt intervention, which is crucial for supporting developmental progress.
Five Early Signs of Autism:
Limited and Repetitive Play: Children with autism may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as lining up toys or focusing intently on parts of objects rather than engaging in imaginative play (Landa, 2018).
Reduced Response to Their Name: A baby who does not consistently respond to their name by 12 months may have reduced social engagement, an early sign of autism (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015).
Less Frequent Social Smiling: Babies with autism may smile less in response to others, indicating possible social and communication challenges (Jones & Klin, 2013).
Delayed Babbling: If your baby isn’t babbling by 12 months, this could indicate a delay in language development, often associated with autism (Paul et al., 2013).
Limited Gestures: A lack of gestures like pointing, waving, or showing objects might signal challenges in social communication (Ozonoff et al., 2010).
If you observe any of these behaviors, especially between 12 and 18 months, it’s important to consult a pediatrician for further evaluation.
Signs of Autism in Childhood
As children grow, the signs of autism can become more evident, especially in social and educational settings. Here are some indicators of autism in older children:
Difficulty Understanding Emotions: Children with autism may struggle to interpret others' emotions, leading to challenges in social interactions (Baron-Cohen et al., 2015).
Cognitive Rigidity: Switching from one activity to another can be difficult, resulting in frustration or behavioral issues (South et al., 2007).
Problems with Planning and Sequencing: Tasks that require organization and forethought can be particularly challenging for children with autism (Pellicano, 2012).
Sensory Sensitivities: Many children with autism are overly sensitive to sensory stimuli like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures (Ben-Sasson et al., 2009).
Repetitive Behaviors: These may include hand-flapping, rocking, or other repetitive motions that help the child manage anxiety or overstimulation (Leekam et al., 2011).
Poor Eye Contact: Avoiding eye contact is common in children with autism, which can affect their social and communicative development (Volkmar et al., 2014).
Gastrointestinal Issues: Many children with autism experience gut-related issues, such as constipation or stomach pain, which can correlate with the severity of their symptoms (Frye et al., 2015).
Signs of Autism in Adults
Autism often continues into adulthood, and many individuals may remain undiagnosed. Recognizing autism in adults can be more complex, but here are some common signs:
Repetitive Habits: Adults with autism might engage in repetitive behaviors, such as organizing items in a specific order or reacting strongly to changes in routine (Russell et al., 2019).
Sensory Overload: Adults on the spectrum often notice subtle stimuli that others don’t, like faint noises or specific textures (Crane et al., 2009).
Social Challenges: Understanding and responding to social cues can be difficult, leading to awkward or misunderstood interactions (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001).
Rigid Routines: A strong preference for routine and predictability is common, and disruptions can cause significant stress (Happé & Charlton, 2012).
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Intervention
Early diagnosis of autism can significantly improve outcomes by allowing for early intervention and support.
If you or someone you love exhibits signs of autism, seeking a professional evaluation is the best course of action. Remember, autism is a spectrum, and each person's experience is unique.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Baron-Cohen, S., Bowen, D. C., Holt, R. J., Allison, C., Auyeung, B., Lombardo, M. V., ... & Lai, M. C. (2015). The "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" test: Complete absence of typical sex difference in adults with autism spectrum conditions. PloS one, 10(8), e0136521.
Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Hill, J., Raste, Y., & Plumb, I. (2001). The "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" test revised version: A study with normal adults, and adults with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 42(2), 241-251.
Ben-Sasson, A., Hen, L., Fluss, R., Cermak, S. A., Engel-Yeger, B., & Gal, E. (2009). A meta-analysis of sensory modulation symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(1), 1-11.
Crane, L., Goddard, L., & Pring, L. (2009). Sensory processing in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 13(3), 215-228.
Frye, R. E., Slattery, J., MacFabe, D. F., & Allen-Vercoe, E. (2015). Gastrointestinal dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: The role of the microbiome and the gut-brain axis. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 26(1), 26253.
Happé, F., & Charlton, R. A. (2012). Aging in autism spectrum disorders: A mini-review. Gerontology, 58(1), 70-78.
Jones, W., & Klin, A. (2013). Attention to eyes is present but in decline in 2–6-month-old infants later diagnosed with autism. Nature, 504(7480), 427-431.
Landa, R. (2018). Efficacy of early interventions for infants and young children with, and at risk for, autism spectrum disorders. International Review of Psychiatry, 30(1), 25-39.
Leekam, S. R., Prior, M. R., & Uljarevic, M. (2011). Restricted and repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders: A review of research in the last decade. Psychological Bulletin, 137(4), 562-593.
Maenner, M. J., Shaw, K. A., Bakian, A. V., Bilder, D. A., Durkin, M. S., Esler, A., ... & Cogswell, M. E. (2023). Prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years—Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2020. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 72(2), 1.
Ozonoff, S., Iosif, A. M., Baguio, F., Cook, I. C., Hill, M. M., Hutman, T., ... & Young, G. S. (2010). A prospective study of the emergence of early behavioral signs of autism. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(3), 256-266.
Paul, R., Fuerst, Y., Ramsay, G., Chawarska, K., & Klin, A. (2013). Out of the mouths of babes: Vocal production in infant siblings of children with ASD. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(5), 588-595.
Pellicano, E. (2012). The development of executive function in autism. Autism Research and Treatment, 2012, 146132.
Russell, G., Stapley, S., Newlove-Delgado, T., Salmon, A., White, R., Warren, F., ... & Ford, T. (2019). Time trends in autism diagnosis over 20 years: A UK population-based cohort study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 61(1), 13-22.
South, M., Ozonoff, S., & McMahon, W. M. (2007). Repetitive behavior profiles in Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. *Journal of Autism