As parents, our children's growth and well-being are always at the forefront of our minds. We celebrate each milestone, from their first smile to their first words. However, what if your child's development seems to be different from their peers? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects approximately one in 100 children globally, according to the World health Organization. Early detection and intervention are key, but how do you recognize the signs?
Pinnacle Blooms Network, a global leader in therapeutic support for children with developmental disorders, is here to help. Let's delve into a practical, in-depth guide to help you evaluate your child for autism risk at home, from infancy to early childhood.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech, and nonverbal communication, along with restricted or repetitive behaviors. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms can vary extensively among individuals.
DIY Evaluation for Autism: A Breakdown by Age Group While a professional diagnosis is essential, parents often notice unusual behaviors or developmental delays in their children first. Here are some signs to look for at various stages.
Infants (Up to 9 Months): 1. Limited eye contact: Babies typically start to maintain eye contact at around three months of age. If your infant rarely makes eye contact, it might be a sign. 2. Lack of social smiles or joyful expressions: By six months, babies usually respond to familiar faces with smiles. 3. No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions.
9 Months to 18 Months: 4. Doesn't respond to their name: By their first birthday, most babies respond when their name is called. 5. No babbling or pointing by age one: Pointing, waving, and other communicative gestures are usually present by this age. 6. Doesn't play simple pretend games like feeding a doll.
18 Months to 3 Years: 7. Loss of previously acquired speech or social skills can be a sign of ASD. 8. Doesn't show interest in interactive games or make-believe. 9. Does not understand simple instructions or questions. 10. Difficulty following moving objects with their eyes.
3 Years to 4 Years: 11. Delays in speech and language skills: This can involve not making sentences or having a very limited vocabulary. 12. Repetitive behaviors: This might include repetitive movements, obsessive interests, or insistence on routines. 13. Difficulty relating to people, things, and events: They might have trouble understanding feelings, their own or others.
4 Years to 6 Years: 14. Has trouble understanding social cues: They might find it difficult to interpret tone of voice, body postures, or facial expressions.15. Struggles with changes in routine or familiar surroundings. 16. Difficulty making and retaining friends. 17. Has a lasting, intense interest in certain topics, like numbers, details, or facts. 18. Uses language in unusual ways, repeats phrases, or refers to themselves in the third person. 19. Shows unusual sensory interests or aversions. 20. Unique strengths: Many children on the autism spectrum can have deep, focused interests and notable capacities in areas like memory, art, or mathematics.
If you observe these signs over time, it's essential to seek professional help. Pinnacle Blooms Network has established a 24x7 national autism helpline (9100 181 181) to guide you through the next steps, which may include an assessment by a developmental pediatrician.
Pinnacle Blooms Network: Your Global Partner in Autism Support
Pinnacle Blooms Network is a recognized global brand in the field of child development, committed to enabling and empowering children with Autism and other developmental disorders. Their multidisciplinary approach, certified therapists, and innovative therapies have transformed the lives of millions of children worldwide. Successfully delivered 7Million+ exclusive 1:1 Multi-Sensory, Multi-Disciplinary, Integrated Best Speech Therapy, Best ABA Therapy, Best Occupational Therapy, and Best Special education for Kids, parents, and Families across 40+ countries empowering them to be Self-Sufficient, to be part of Mainstream Society, to have Wonderful Life plausible, to wipe-off tears from their family, to bring smiles into their families.
Remember, early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in the life of a child with autism. Trust your instincts as a parent, and seek professional help if you observe consistent signs of developmental delays. Together, we can save your child from harm's way and empower your kid to have a wonderful life. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't hesitate to reach out to the 24x7 national autism helpline at 9100 181 181 or write to care@pinnacleblooms.org
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech, and nonverbal communication, along with restricted or repetitive behaviors. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms can vary extensively among individuals.
While a professional diagnosis is essential, parents often notice unusual behaviors or developmental delays in their children first. Here are some signs to look for at various stages.
1. Limited eye contact: Babies typically start to maintain eye contact at around three months of age. If your infant rarely makes eye contact, it might be a sign.
4. Doesn't respond to their name: By their first birthday, most babies respond when their name is called.
7. Loss of previously acquired speech or social skills can be a sign of ASD.
11. Delays in speech and language skills: This can involve not making sentences or having a very limited vocabulary.
14. Has trouble understanding social cues: They might find it difficult to interpret tone of voice, body postures, or facial expressions.15. Struggles with changes in routine or familiar surroundings.
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