As a new parent, you are probably trying to understand your baby’s development and milestones. If your baby has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may have additional questions and concerns. It’s important to know that every child with ASD is different, and development can vary widely from child to child. But there are some general developmental milestones that can help guide you. In this article, we will break down the stages of autistic baby development.
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What is autism spectrum disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. The symptoms of ASD can range from mild to severe, and can include difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors or routines, and difficulty with social interactions.
Source: bing.comAutistic baby development: What to expect
Autistic baby development can be delayed compared to typically developing babies. Here are some general milestones to keep in mind:
Social and emotional milestones
Babies with ASD may have difficulty with social and emotional development, such as:
- Not responding to their name by 12 months
- Not making eye contact by 6 months
- Not smiling by 6 months
- Not showing interest in others by 12 months
- Not imitating facial expressions or movements by 9 months
Communication milestones
Babies with ASD may have difficulty with communication, such as:
- Not babbling by 12 months
- Not pointing or using gestures by 12 months
- Not responding to their own name by 12 months
- Not using single words by 16 months
- Not using simple two-word phrases by 24 months
Movement and activity milestones
Babies with ASD may have difficulty with movement and activity, such as:
- Being overly sensitive to touch, sound, or other sensory stimuli
- Not crawling by 12 months
- Not walking by 18 months
- Having poor coordination or balance
- Repetitive movements or behaviors, such as rocking or spinning
What to do if you are concerned about your baby’s development
If you are concerned about your baby’s development or if your baby has been diagnosed with ASD, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician or a specialist in autism. Early intervention and treatment can make a big difference in your baby’s development and quality of life.
Conclusion
Autistic baby development can be different from that of typically developing babies, but there are developmental milestones that can help guide you. If you have concerns about your baby’s development, speak to your pediatrician or a specialist in autism. With early intervention and treatment, your baby can reach their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the earliest signs of autism in babies?
Some of the earliest signs of autism in babies include not responding to their name, not making eye contact, not smiling, and not showing interest in others.
Can autism be detected in babies?
Autism can be detected in babies as young as 6 to 12 months old through developmental screening or observation of behaviors.
What should I do if I think my baby has autism?
If you think your baby may have autism, talk to your pediatrician or a specialist in autism for evaluation and early intervention.
What is early intervention for autism?
Early intervention for autism involves starting treatment and therapies as early as possible to improve outcomes and quality of life for the child and family.
What therapies are available for babies with autism?
There are a variety of therapies available for babies with autism, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills therapy.