Detecting and diagnosing a child with ASD traits is very important in order to offer them better and earlier therapeutic care, thus offering an appropriate response to any temporary or non-temporary needs they may present during their development, thereby benefiting the child and, consequently, their entire environment.
Child development in the early years is characterized by the progressive acquisition of important functions such as postural control, mobility autonomy, communication, verbal language, and social interaction. However, we can easily observe that each child is unique and, therefore, they acquire the same skills at different times, following their own unique path. However, we must be vigilant and notice if, after a reasonable amount of time, they fail to develop these skills or continue to show deficiencies or difficulties.
For example, difficulties relating to other people, such as the way a child pays attention to specific aspects or objects or interacts with his or her surroundings, can be warning signs that could indicate a delay in speech or language acquisition, or, more complicatedly, a developmental disorder or autism spectrum disorder. We must be attentive and observe whether these characteristics appear alongside other specific characteristics so we can inform ourselves and guide ourselves on what opportunities we can offer our child.
Below is an image and a list of the most prominent warning signs to look out for. It's a list of warning signs that children between 12 and 24 months old may exhibit if they are at risk for ASD. In any case, this is just a list of signs to be aware of and to empower all those parents who suspect something isn't quite right. However, only a qualified and experienced professional can correctly diagnose whether or not someone has ASD.
Children 12 to 24 months of age who are at risk for ASD may:
- They speak or babble in a strange tone of voice.
- They show a rare sensitivity to some sensory input (lights, sounds, textures).
- They do not let go of any object, even if they have been carrying it for a long time.
- Make strange movements with your body or hands, such as flapping your wings or rhythmic head movements.
- They play with their toys in a strange and repetitive way.
- Do not show enthusiasm for exploring new things or appear inactive.
- They become excessively angry or are difficult to calm down.
Children 12 to 24 months at risk for ASD may NOT:
- Point at things with your finger or ask for things you want in this way.
- Babble or talk to another person in a feint of conversation.
- Try to get the attention of others.
- They smile back at you.
- Make good eye contact.
- Show objects to others.
- Respond when called.
- Watch when you try to direct their attention to others.
- They like to be hugged or pampered.
- Say their first words between 12 and 24 months.
- Use common gestures and clear body language.
- Show that you share a joy or a fun.
- Show interest in other children.
- Have a wide variety of facial expressions.
Literature:
- Fortea Sevilla MS, Escandell Bermúdez MO, Castro Sánchez JJ. (2013) Early detection of autism. Professionals involved. Rev Esp Salud Publica 87(2): 191-199. www.scielosp.org/pdf/resp/v87n2/08_original4.pdf
- Kantzer AK, Fernell E, Gillberg C, Miniscalco C. (2013) Autism in community pre-schoolers: Developmental profiles. Res Dev Disabil 34(9):2900-2908.
- Zwaigenbaum L, Bryson S, Garon N. (2013) Early identification of autism spectrum disorders. Behav Brain Res doi:pii: S0166-4328(13)00194-0
- https://www.bloghoptoys.es/descarga-los-primeros-signos-del-autismo/
- drlawrencetucker.com/early-signs-of-autism/
- www.bestofyoutoday.com/ask-nutrition-expert/detecting-earliest-signs-autism
- https://autismodiario.org/2013/09/27/senales-tempranas-de-autismo/