What is the Earliest a Baby Can Show Signs of Autism?

The Early Signs of Autism: Can You Spot Them in Babies?

Honestly, if you're asking yourself this question, you're probably worried and trying to understand what’s going on with your baby. I totally get it—autism is a complex condition, and noticing the first signs early can feel overwhelming. But the truth is, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can sometimes show up much earlier than many parents realize. So, let’s break it down a bit.

1. Understanding Autism in Babies: What Are the Key Indicators?

Autism doesn't always present itself in clear-cut ways, especially in the early months. That said, there are certain signs you can look for, even in babies as young as six months old.

Early Behavioral Clues

I was talking to a pediatrician friend of mine recently, and she shared an interesting observation. While most parents don’t pick up on it at first, things like limited eye contact, lack of response to their name being called, or delayed babbling can be early indicators. These might seem like small things, but they matter. It’s also worth noting that babies with ASD may show less interest in social games like peekaboo, which, if you think about it, is pretty big for a baby’s development.

Social and Emotional Responses

Around 6 months, babies typically begin to smile in response to others, or they start mimicking facial expressions. If you notice that your baby isn’t engaging in this way—like not smiling back or showing little interest in interaction—it could be an early warning sign.

2. Communication Delays: Red Flags for Parents

As your baby grows, communication is one of the first big developmental milestones. But what if your baby isn’t hitting these milestones? Well, that’s where things can get tricky, and it's definitely something to keep an eye on.

Lack of Babbling and Gesturing

Around 6 to 9 months, babies generally start babbling and using gestures like waving or pointing. If you notice that your baby isn’t doing this, or seems less interested in exploring sounds and movement, it’s a good idea to mention it to your pediatrician. I had a friend whose child didn’t start babbling at all until much later, and it turned out to be one of the first signs of ASD.

Delayed Speech Development

By the age of one, most babies will say a few words. If your child doesn’t, it doesn’t automatically mean they have autism, but it’s something worth discussing with a professional. Speech delays are often associated with ASD, though they can also occur for many other reasons. It’s all about looking at the bigger picture.

3. Sensory Sensitivities and Repetitive Behaviors

This is a big one. Sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviors are often linked to autism. These signs can appear a little later, but they might show up as early as 12 months.

Unusual Reactions to Sensory Input

Babies with autism may show heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli—like loud noises, certain textures, or even specific lights. You might notice your baby becoming very upset over things that don’t seem to bother other children. On the flip side, some babies may also show little to no response to pain or temperature changes, which can also be a red flag.

Repetitive Movements and Behaviors

Around the age of one, some babies start repeating certain actions like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects. These behaviors are common in children with autism. I remember watching a YouTube video of a toddler who constantly spun the wheels of a toy truck without ever engaging with it in any other way. That repetitive focus on one activity is something that parents should observe.

4. When Should You Be Concerned and Seek Professional Help?

Okay, so you've been paying attention to all these signs. But here's the million-dollar question—when should you seek help? Well, if you're noticing several of these behaviors consistently, it’s probably time to talk to your pediatrician.

Early Intervention is Key

I’ve heard from multiple specialists that early intervention can make a massive difference. The sooner you understand what might be going on, the sooner you can begin strategies and therapies that will help your child. Sometimes, subtle signs like avoiding eye contact or not responding to their name are easily overlooked, but when combined with other indicators, they can form a clearer picture.

Trust Your Instincts

Honestly, I know as a parent, it’s hard not to second-guess yourself, especially when it comes to something as big as autism. I’ve been there. If your gut tells you something might be off, it’s always worth having a conversation with a professional. Even if you’re wrong, at least you’ll have peace of mind.

5. Conclusion: The Earliest Signs of Autism

To wrap things up, it’s important to remember that autism doesn’t look the same for every child. Some babies may show signs as early as six months, while others may not show any noticeable signs until later. Keep in mind that many of these behaviors—like not making eye contact or not babbling—can also be part of normal development. However, if you’re seeing these signs consistently and they concern you, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

The earlier you catch the signs, the earlier you can begin to support your baby in their development. So, stay observant, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to seek professional guidance. You’ve got this.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

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.