7 Signs Your Child May Have Autism – What Parents Should Pay Close Attention To

🔎 7 Signs a Child May Have Autism (ASD)

1. Limited Eye Contact
   • The child avoids or has very little eye contact, especially during interactions like feeding, playing, or responding to their name.
2. Delayed Speech or No Speech
   • The child does not babble by 12 months, does not say single words by 16 months, or does not speak short phrases by 2 years.
3. Lack of Social Engagement
   • The child may seem uninterested in people, rarely smiles socially, doesn’t respond to their name, or doesn’t show typical affection.
4. Repetitive Behaviors
   • Engaging in repeated motions such as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning objects, or lining up toys in a specific order without functional play.
5. Strong Resistance to Change
   • Becomes upset with small changes in routines, environment, or daily habits. Prefers doing the same things in the same order every day.
6. Limited Interests or Focused Obsessions
   • Fixation on one object, subject, or activity for an unusually long time or to an unusual degree (e.g., memorizing numbers, fans, spinning wheels).
7. Unusual Sensory Responses
   • Overreacts or underreacts to sounds, lights, textures, or smells. May cover ears to certain sounds or not react at all to pain.

💡 How Parents Can Help a Child Avoid or Manage Autism-Like Symptoms

While autism is not “curable,” early support and intervention can significantly improve a child’s development. Here are practical tips:

✅ 1. Early Interaction and Engagement

• Talk, sing, and play with your child daily.
• Encourage two-way communication, even through gestures and sounds.

✅ 2. Routine and Predictability

• Create a structured and calm environment at home.
• Keep consistent daily routines with gentle transitions.

✅ 3. Limit Screen Time

• Avoid exposing children under 2 years old to digital screens (TV, tablets).
• Encourage physical play and face-to-face interaction instead.

✅ 4. Social Exposure

• Let children interact with others through playgroups, family gatherings, or childcare.
• Supervised peer interaction builds social skills naturally.

✅ 5. Healthy Diet and Sleep

• Ensure nutritious meals and regular sleep schedules to support brain development.

✅ 6. Modeling Behavior

• Children learn by example. Use eye contact, smiles, and expressive communication often.
• Encourage imitation games like peekaboo or clapping.

✅ 7. Seek Early Evaluation

• If you notice concerns, consult a pediatrician or a child development specialist early.
• Early diagnosis leads to early intervention, which improves long-term outcomes.