Early Symptoms Of Autism

Autism can be recognised by parents quite early in their baby's life. A list of early symptoms of autism can be handy in knowing what to watch out for in your infants development.

Just because your baby may display one or two of these early signs of autism, it doesn't necessarily mean that he is autistic. So if you are worried about your baby's development the best thing that you can do is talk to your health visitor or your doctor.

Signs of autism - What to look for

• At 2 to 3 months your baby should be making frequent eye contact with you.
• At 3 months your baby should be smiling at you and recognise the sound of your voice.
• At around 6 months your baby should be laughing at things that he finds funny.
• At around 8 months your baby should be able to follow your gaze and see what you are looking at.
• At around 9 months your baby should be babbling away.
• At around his first year he should be turning towards you when you call his name.
• Ar 12 months he should be able to converse with you, either by babbling or copying noises.
• By 1 year he should be able to look at something that you are pointing towards.
• By around a year old he should be trying to wave his hand and wave goodbye to people.
• By around 16 months your baby should know and be able to speak some words. Just one word at a time, you're not looking for fluid sentences!
• By 2 years old your baby should be using some 2 word phrases, either to ask for something or just in general.

For more information on the early symptoms of autism, visit: Autism: Everything parents and carers should know about the disorder.

and also: The essential guide to autism Your health visitor can give you more advice on developmental milestones for your baby. She will also be able to give you more information on the symptoms of autism and she will also monitor your baby if she thinks there may be a problem.

If you are worried at all about any aspect of your baby's health you should always seek advice from a fully trained medical professional.

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