Early signs of autism in babies

These are some of the earliest signs of autism in babies. If you suspect that your baby may be exhibiting some of these signs, I recommend consulting a doctor for a professional opinion.

If you do recognize signs of autism in your baby, starting an adapted learning program as early as possible has been shown to make the greatest difference to progress.

As the owner of an autism center in Paris, Le Chemin ABA, I get asked all the time about signs of autism in babies. My friends who have very young children ask me when they are concerned about their own kids. Parents who have a child with autism and come for services at my center, are often on the lookout for early signs of autism if they have a second child.

These are the some of the earliest signs of autism in babies to be aware of :

1. Poor eye contact

Does your child seek out regular eye contact or tend to avoid making that connection?

2. Limited, or delay in, babbling and cooing

Is your baby making sounds – cooing and babbling?

3. Little imitation

Is your baby starting to imitate your movements?

Get started teaching imitation skills with this free printable signing book :

4. Lack of smiling

Does your baby smile at you and at others?

5. Repetitive behaviors

Have your noticed your child repeating the same action over and over with a toy?

[bctt tweet=”Repetitive behaviors can be an early sign of autism in babies” username=”lecheminaba”]

6. Delayed motor development

Is your baby taking more time than usual to hold his or her head up? Roll over? Learn to manipulate toys, etc?

7. Failure to respond to name

Does your baby turn towards you when you call his or her name?

8. Lack of gesturing

Is your little one pointing to items?

9. Infrequently seeking attention

Does your baby actively seek out your attention or is he or she content to play alone for long periods of time?

If you notice these symptoms, there is a lot you can do at home right away to engage your child and increase learning.

Start teaching your little one using the activities in the posts below

• 25 Sensory Box Ideas
• My 10 Favorite Bedtime Stories 
• 10 Best Board Books
• Starting a Home Program for Your Child – Everything You Need to Know
• Explaining Autism to Siblings
• Pail and Clothespins Autism Activity

More Autism Resources

• The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
• Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
• Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
• How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
• Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!

Early signs of autism in babies

Knowing the early signs of autism in babies, will help you know, as a parent, if you need to seek professional help. Make sure to consult your doctor if you think that your child may be exhibiting these symptoms.

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