Autism In Babies

Autism in babies is probably the last thing you worry about as your little one lies fast asleep in her cot. As parents we worry about all of the common things from the moment our baby is born. We worry about cot death, meningitis and lots of other illnesses that we hear about nearly every day of lives.

Occasionally parents may worry that their baby isn't developing the way she should. That's when the word autism is likely to crop up.

Doctors don't diagnose autism in babies too early, as all babies develop in very different degree's of time. But there are certain symptoms that you could watch for if you think your baby may be autistic.

Recognizing autism in babies

• Does your baby recognise her name? Most children within the first few months of their life will learn their name. If you say her name, does she respond? Does she turn her head towards you? If your baby has autism, she may only respond to her name around twenty per cent of the time.

• By 6 months of age your baby should be smiling, does your baby smile at things you do? Does she make eye contact with you?

• Does your baby try to copy things that you do? By around 10 months of age most babies will be copying and mimicking certain hand movements or sounds that you make. If she has autism, she won't do this.

• Does your baby respond to your emotions. Most babies learn emotions by responding to others. Will your baby smile back at you?, laugh when you laugh? Some babies with autism don't respond to others emotions.

• As your baby gets older, at around a year old, she should be pointing things out to you. If she drops a toy will she point to it so you pick it up for her?

More signs of autism in babies

• If your baby isn't babbling by around the age of 12 months.

• At 12 months is your baby learning certain pretend play skills? Can she pretend to walk her teddy or push a car around the floor.

• By around 16 months your baby should be able to say some words. Even if she doesn't say them properly.

• By around 2 years your child should be putting two words together, making phrases like "drink please" or "hungry now"

There isn't a set of rules that determines whether your baby has autism, the above lists are mainly pointers on what the 'average baby' should be doing by a certain age range. Not all babies will say words by 16 months, some may be earlier some later. But if you are at all worried about your baby's development you should contact your health care professional. They will discuss your worries with you, and may give you more signs to watch for, As well as trying to put your mind at rest a little.Doctors won't even try to diagnose autism in babies her in the UK until around age 2 to 2 and half years.

More information - Autism in infants and babies

If you would like to read more information on autism I have found 2 books that give great insight on living with and caring for a child with autism.

Scott Boyd has a nephew that is autistic, Scott wrote his book to help parents and carers all over the world learn to deal with autism in children. Scott writes: It will enhance your comprehension of what your child is experiencing, and the small things to help them reduce the autism symptoms.

So, if you have unanswered concerns or are wondering if there is anything more that you can be doing, then this resource book is for you.

It will clarify the myths and dispel the misconceptions, so from here on in you may make informed and educated decisions about your family's future.

To view Scotts book and learn more about autism click here.

Rachel Evans needed information on autism, she found plenty of advice on the internet, but what she wanted where the cold hard facts.After researching autism for several months (due to personal needs of her own) she put together this book containing lots of information:

• What Is Autism?
• How Is Autism Diagnosed?
• What Causes Autism?
• Are There Disorders That Accompany Autism?
• Is There Reason for Hope with Autism?
• Can Autistics' Social Skills and Behaviour Be Improved?
• Can Autism Be Outgrown?
• Can Adults With Autism Live Independent Lives?
• How Do Families Learn to Cope With Autism?
• What Are Sources of Autism Information and Support?
• And much more!

  To read more information on Rachel Evans and her struggle to help families with autistic children, click here.
  
  
  

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