Parents are often the first to notice that their child is developing differently from other children.
Every child grows at their own pace, but some early signs may indicate that a child needs to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Finding these signs early helps families to get the right support as soon as possible.
After an autism diagnosis, many parents choose ABA therapy New Jersey to help their child improve communication, learning, or daily life skills.
Jump to:
- 1: Limited Eye Contact
- 2: Delayed Speech or Language Development
- 3: Limited Response to Their Name
- 4: Difficulty with Social Interaction
- 5: Repetitive Behaviors
- 6: Strong Need for Routine
- 7: Unusual Sensitivity to Sounds, Lights, or Textures
- 8: Limited Use of Gestures
- 9: Difficulty with Pretend Play
- 10: Emotional or Behavioral Challenges
- Conclusion
1: Limited Eye Contact
Some parents notice that their child doesn't look at people as much as other children. Every child grows at their own speed, but limited eye contact can be an early sign of autism.
Seeing this sign early can help parents just to get the right advice or support. If needed, they can also learn about ABA therapy in New Jersey to help their child.
Signs of limited eye contact include:
- Does not look directly at parents or caregivers very often.
- Looks at people for only a short time and then looks away.
- Does not make eye contact while playing, eating, or talking.
- Does not look at people when their name is called.
- Shows less interest in people's faces and facial expressions.
Limited eye contact by itself doesn't mean a child has autism. However, if it happens often and is accompanied by other signs, it's a good idea to talk to a pediatrician. They can assess your child's development and recommend appropriate support if needed.
2: Delayed Speech or Language Development
Some children learn to talk later than others. However, a big delay in speaking or understanding words can sometimes be an early sign of autism.
Noticing these signs early helps parents talk to a doctor and find the right support. If needed, many families choose ABA therapy Paramus, New Jersey to help their child improve communication and language skills.
Some common signs include:
- Says only a few words for their age.
- Just stops saying those words they used before.
- Finds it hard to make simple sentences.
- Repeats the same words or phrases without knowing what they mean.
They don't always respond when their name is called or when given simple instructions.
A speech delay does not always mean a child has autism, but it's important to have it checked by an ABA therapist in Paramus NJ.
If autism is diagnosed, then starting early therapy can help children improve their communication, learning, and daily life skills.
3: Limited Response to Their Name
As children grow, they usually learn to respond when someone calls their name. Some children may take longer than others. Not responding to their name doesn't always mean autism.
However, if it happens often and is accompanied by other signs, then it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. Finding out about autism early helps parents understand their child's needs or get the right support.
Early therapy can help children learn important life skills or make everyday activities easier for both the child and the family.
4: Difficulty with Social Interaction
Most children enjoy playing, smiling, and spending time with family and other children. Some children may have a harder time talking, playing, or connecting with others. If these social difficulties continue, then it may be a good idea to get a professional evaluation.
Some common social challenges include:
- Does not like to play with other children.
- Has trouble sharing toys or taking turns.
- Does not copy smiles, waving, or simple facial expressions.
- Shows little interest in making friends.
- Likes to play alone most of the time.
Every child grows and learns at their own pace. These signs do not always mean autism, but if they continue or happen with other developmental concerns, talking to a healthcare professional can help parents understand the next steps.
5: Repetitive Behaviors
Repetitive behaviors are a common early sign of autism. Some children do the same movements again and again because it helps them to feel calm or safe.
These behaviors may include hand flapping or rocking back and forth, spinning in circles, lining up toys, or watching spinning objects for extended periods.
These signs don't always mean a child has autism, but if they happen often with other developmental signs, then it's a good idea to get a professional evaluation.
The early diagnosis helps families understand their child's needs and get the right support.
6: Strong Need for Routine
Many children like to follow a daily routine, but children with autism may become very upset when their routine changes.
Even small changes like taking a different road home, moving furniture, or changing meal times can make them feel worried or stressed.
Having the same daily routine helps them feel safe and comfortable. The parents can help by telling their child about changes before they happen and keeping daily activities as regular as possible.
If a child has a very strong need for routine along with other signs of autism, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional.
Finding autism early helps families get the right support and helps the child adjust to changes more easily.
7: Unusual Sensitivity to Sounds, Lights, or Textures
Unusual sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures can make daily life harder for some children with autism. They may be bothered by loud noises or bright lights, certain clothes, or some food textures.
Some children may also enjoy activities like spinning or jumping, as these help them feel calm. These sensory differences are common and may affect learning or play, and everyday routines.
8: Limited Use of Gestures
Gestures help young children communicate before they can talk clearly. They use actions like pointing, waving, and reaching to show what they want or need.
If a child uses very few gestures along with other signs of autism, then it's a good idea to get a professional evaluation. Finding autism early helps families understand their child's needs and get the right support.
9: Difficulty with Pretend Play
Difficulty with pretend play can sometimes be an early sign of autism, especially when it happens with other developmental signs.
Every child learns and grows at their own speed, but having trouble with pretend play may affect communication, learning, and social skills.
A professional evaluation can help parents understand their child's needs and find the right support early.
Common signs include:
- Repeats the same action with toys again and again.
- Doesn't pretend toys are real objects.
- Shows little interest in pretend or make-believe games.
- Finds it hard to make up simple stories while playing.
- Needs help to play pretend games with other children.
10: Emotional or Behavioral Challenges
Emotional challenges are common in many children with autism. They may get upset when they can't explain what they need or when their daily routine changes.
With early support and the right guidance, these behaviors can improve over time.
Conclusion
Knowing the early signs of autism can help parents get professional support sooner.
Signs like delayed speech or reduced eye contact, repetitive behaviors, difficulty with social skills, or sensitivity to sounds, lights, or textures don't always mean a child has autism.
Still, a healthcare professional should evaluate them. A professional evaluation can help families understand their child's needs and choose the best support.
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