What are the 3 main symptoms of autism in babies?

Every baby develops at their own pace, so one unusual behaviour does not necessarily point to autism. However, certain patterns in communication, social interaction, and behaviour can sometimes be early signs worth discussing with a paediatrician. The key symptoms to be noted includes:

1. Difficulty in developing communication

One of the major symptoms possibly can be difficulty in developing communication. Autistic children might respond consistently when their name is called, make less eye contact, or use fewer gestures such as pointing, waving, or reaching. They may also show less back-and-forth communication through sounds, facial expressions, or gestures.

1. Least interest in social engagement

Autistic children may seem less interested in interacting with people or sharing attention. For example, they might rarely look at a parent to share something interesting, show fewer social smiles, or show limited interest in simple interactive games such as peekaboo.

1. Repetitive or unusual behaviours

Some babies may repeat certain movements, become very focused on particular objects or activities, or respond strongly to sounds, textures, lights, or other sensory experiences. These behaviours can vary considerably from one child to another.

It is also important to remember that not every baby who shows these signs has autism. Babies can reach developmental milestones at different times, and some behaviours may occur occasionally without indicating a developmental condition. Noticing the overall pattern is crucial in the development of personalized plans to support the autistic child.