Can You Tell if a 7-Month-Old Has Autism? What You Need to Know

Understanding Autism in Infants: Is It Possible at 7 Months?

So, you're wondering if it's possible to tell if a 7-month-old has autism, right? Honestly, it's one of those things that parents often ask, and it’s tough. I mean, how do you know? Your baby might seem a bit different, but can you really say it’s autism this early on? The short answer? It’s complicated.

At 7 months, babies are still hitting those early developmental milestones. Some babies, though, might show a few signs that make you question if there could be something more to it. But here’s the thing: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) isn't usually diagnosed until a child is older, typically around 2 or 3 years old, when behaviors become more noticeable.

What Are the Early Signs of Autism?

When I had a chat with my friend Emily—she’s a pediatric nurse—we discussed this exact thing. Emily pointed out that while it’s hard to diagnose autism at such an early stage, some signs may appear that warrant attention. These could include:

• Delayed Social Smiling or Limited Eye Contact: You know how babies usually give those big, adorable grins? Well, some babies with autism might not smile as often or may not make much eye contact. But, let’s be honest, some babies are just shy, right? So, it’s not the only sign to look out for.

• Lack of Response to Name: A 7-month-old might not respond to their name, even when you’re trying to get their attention. Again, not every baby reacts to their name at this stage, but it could be an early red flag.

• Limited Gesturing or Pointing: By this age, babies are often starting to point or use gestures to communicate. If your little one isn’t doing this, it’s not a huge deal, but it might be worth noting.

Why It’s Hard to Tell at 7 Months

Look, I’m not saying you shouldn’t be paying attention to your baby’s development—far from it. But, at 7 months, they’re still so little, and their brains are still working on things like crawling, sitting up, or reaching for toys. It’s around 12 months when things start to get clearer, in terms of social communication.

One thing that struck me (and it took me a while to really understand) is that some behaviors might just be "baby quirks"—they’re not necessarily indicative of autism. For instance, my friend Liz was freaking out when her baby wasn’t crawling at 7 months. Turns out, he just needed a little more time to develop. So don’t panic if your baby isn’t checking all the boxes.

When Should You Seek Help?

So, when should you raise an eyebrow and talk to your pediatrician? If your baby is showing a combination of unusual signs like those I mentioned earlier, or if they’re missing key milestones—like sitting up or making sounds by 7-8 months—then yeah, it’s worth bringing up. But here’s the thing: there’s no need to rush into anything, because some babies develop at their own pace.

Also, keep in mind that parents often worry a lot, especially with all the “perfect milestones” we hear about. Trust me, I’ve been there. I remember staring at my niece, thinking, "Why isn’t she speaking yet at 18 months?!" But, as it turned out, she just had her own timeline. So, take a deep breath. Your baby will grow, and things will become clearer as time goes on.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Now, here's something I feel strongly about: even if it’s too early to diagnose autism, early intervention can make a huge difference. My cousin’s son wasn’t diagnosed with ASD until he was about 3, but the therapies they started him on at 18 months helped him so much. Early intervention services, whether it's speech therapy or occupational therapy, can really set a child up for success.

If you’re noticing something that’s making you uneasy, it’s totally okay to ask questions. Parents are the best advocates for their kids. Trust your instincts, but don’t rush to conclusions. Autism is complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Conclusion: Patience and Awareness Matter Most

To wrap it up, no, you can’t definitely tell if a 7-month-old has autism—but you can pay attention to subtle signs and talk to your pediatrician if you’re concerned. Don’t stress about the “perfect timeline” for development. And remember, every baby is different. Be patient, stay informed, and trust your gut as you move forward.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.