Typically, children are diagnosed with autism between the ages of two and three. But, there are signs from the early months of life.
Several behaviors are common.
If, by 6 months of age, baby isn’t making eye contact, smiling at you or laughing, take note.
If by 9 months, baby doesn’t follow your gaze when you look away or has begun to babble, these might be signs of autism.
Get testing done by a speech and language therapist who works with young children and a child development specialist. The combination of these two professionals can help your child make progress even without a diagnosis of autism.
By 18 months, baby should be turning toward you when you call his name, wave bye-bye, use a dozen words, point to show interest and play pretend games. If not, baby’s future could be jeopardized if intense interventions are delayed.
Claudia
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