Autism in 8-Month-Olds: Early Signs and Red Flags to Look Out For
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can be diagnosed in early childhood. While most autism diagnoses occur around the age of 2 or 3, there are potential signs that can be observed in infants as young as 8 months old. In this article, we will explore the early signs and red flags of autism in 8-month-olds, providing parents and caregivers with valuable information to help identify potential indicators at an early stage.
It is important to note that diagnosing autism at such a young age is challenging and should be done by healthcare professionals with expertise in developmental disorders. However, being aware of early signs can prompt early intervention and support, which can greatly benefit the child's development.
1. Lack of Eye Contact
One of the earliest signs of autism in infants is a lack of eye contact. Typically, by 8 months, babies begin engaging in eye contact with their caregivers. However, infants with autism may avoid eye contact altogether or exhibit fleeting glances. This behavior can indicate a difficulty in establishing social connections and may be an early red flag for autism.
2. Limited Social Smiling
Another potential sign of autism in 8-month-olds is limited social smiling. Infants with autism may not respond to smiles or social cues from their caregivers in the same way as typically developing infants. They may not initiate or reciprocate social smiles, which can be a precursor to difficulties in social interaction later on.
3. Delayed or Absent Babbling
Babbling is an important milestone in language development. By 8 months, most infants engage in babbling, producing repetitive consonant-vowel sounds (e.g., "bababa" or "dadada"). However, infants with autism may exhibit a delay or absence of babbling. This delay in vocalization can be an early indication of communication challenges associated with ASD.
4. Lack of Social Responsiveness
Infants with autism may display a lack of social responsiveness. They may not turn their heads or respond to their names being called, unlike typically developing infants who show interest and engage with their caregivers. This limited social responsiveness can be an early sign of autism in 8-month-olds.
5. Repetitive Movements or Behaviors
Repetitive movements or behaviors can also be observed in infants with autism. At 8 months old, some infants with autism may engage in repetitive movements, such as hand-flapping or body rocking. These repetitive behaviors can provide comfort to the infant but may also indicate potential signs of autism.
6. Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities can manifest in infants with autism as early as 8 months old. They may display heightened sensitivity or aversion to certain sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
