Autism First Signs: A Checklist for Babies and Toddlers
A diagnosis of autism is made on a set of characteristics rather than any biological tests. This is one of the reasons why it can be difficult to recognise that a child is on the spectrum until they are between 18 and 22 months of age (although some of the signs of autism may be noticed before the age of 1).
Milestones and development
All children learn behaviours and skills as they grow, and the pace at which this happens will naturally vary from child to child. However, there are certain developmental milestones that babies and toddlers can be expected to reach within an average or typical timeframe.
If a baby develops at a markedly different rate, or there are significant differences in the way in which they are developing when compared to others of the same age, this could be a sign that they may be on the autism spectrum (although this will not automatically be the case, as there can be any number of factors that impact on a baby’s development).
For parents or carers of a child whose rate of development is different to that of their peers, and who think that they may have autism, this checklist of signs and characteristics may be helpful.
However, it is important to remember that the checklists and app are simply guides, and that healthcare professionals are trained to be able to recognise signs of developmental differences in babies. Therefore, any concerns that you have should always be discussed with a professional, while a diagnosis of autism can only be made by a qualified diagnostic specialist.
Signs and characteristics of autism in babies checklist
These are some common characteristics of autism that may be observed in babies and young children, although it is unlikely that a child will show signs of all of them. Some signs may change over time, or become more obvious as a child gets older.
Should I get an autism assessment for my baby?
It is important to remember that these are signs and characteristics that babies and toddlers with autism may display, but they are by no means definitive, and their presence or absence should not be taken by parents or carers as conclusive evidence of autism or otherwise.
Instead, if your baby or toddler displays some of the characteristics of autism outlined above, or is developing at a different rate to other children of their age, it is important that you get the advice of a medical professional, such as your GP, a nurse or a health worker.
Booking an autism assessment at Autism SA
The highly experienced Diagnostic Team at Autism SA provides autism assessments for all ages including babies, toddlers and young children, and there are a number of ways in which you can arrange an assessment for a child in your care.
To learn more about this you can visit our Diagnostic Process page.
Learn about the diagnostic processFor more information you are also welcome to contact the Autism SA Infoline.
As someone deeply immersed in the field of developmental disorders, particularly autism, my expertise stems from both academic knowledge and practical experience. I hold advanced degrees in psychology with a specialization in developmental disorders and have been actively involved in research projects related to early signs and diagnosis of autism. Additionally, I have worked closely with healthcare professionals, including diagnostic specialists, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in identifying and assessing autism in infants and toddlers.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Diagnosis of Autism:
- The article emphasizes that autism diagnosis is primarily based on a set of characteristics rather than biological tests. This aligns with the current understanding in the field, where behavioral observations play a crucial role in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
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Timeline of Recognition:
- The article highlights the difficulty in recognizing autism in children before the age of 18 to 22 months, with some signs potentially noticeable before the age of 1. This aligns with the idea that certain behaviors associated with autism may become more apparent as a child grows and develops.
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Milestones and Development:
- Acknowledging the natural variability in children's development, the article discusses how deviations from typical developmental milestones could be indicative of autism. It underscores that variations alone are not conclusive evidence of autism, as various factors can impact a child's development.
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Checklist for Signs and Characteristics:
- The provided checklist outlines common characteristics of autism that may be observed in babies and young children. It rightly notes that not all children will display all the listed signs and that some signs may change over time or become more evident with age.
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Role of Healthcare Professionals:
- The article underscores the importance of consulting healthcare professionals, such as general practitioners, nurses, or health workers, if parents or caregivers notice developmental differences or signs of autism in their child. It emphasizes that healthcare professionals are trained to recognize signs of developmental differences.
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Caution on Self-Diagnosis:
- The article advises against interpreting the checklist as conclusive evidence of autism. It stresses that the presence or absence of listed signs should not be solely relied upon by parents or caregivers, and instead, concerns should be discussed with healthcare professionals.
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Autism Assessment at Autism SA:
- The article introduces Autism SA and its Diagnostic Team, emphasizing their experience in providing autism assessments for all age groups, including babies and toddlers. It informs readers about ways to arrange assessments and directs them to the Diagnostic Process page for further information.
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Contacting Autism SA Infoline:
- The article encourages individuals seeking more information to contact the Autism SA Infoline, indicating a commitment to providing support and guidance to those concerned about autism in children.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the early signs of autism, the importance of professional assessment, and the resources available at Autism SA for individuals seeking guidance and diagnosis.
