Autism in Infants

Autism in infants can be extremely difficult to detect, but current studies seek to find ways to identify pervasive developmental disorders as early as possible. Early identification and intervention is critical in successfully treating autistic disorders.

View the autism behavior checklist.

Diagnosis of autism or related developmental condition is very rare during infancy since development differs from one child to another. Many neurotypical babies develop at a relatively slow pace and when a baby does not reach specific developmental milestones by a certain month, there is usually no cause for alarm.

Some indicators of autism in infancy may include:

• Does not respond to sounds
• Does not respond to name
• Fails to grab onto clothing or hair
• Stares at moving objects like ceiling fans for a long time
• Does not cry or cries inconsolably
• Becomes rigid when picked up for a considerable length of time
• Pushes away when being held
• Does not examine hands and fingers
• Does not try use utensils or pick up food with fingers
• Mouths objects excessively
• Has tantrums for no apparent reason
• Does not appear to notice his or her environment
• Lack facial expression
• Passive
• Easily irritated
• Inactive
• Does not imitate
  • Facial expressions
  • Hand gestures

The problem with the list of possible signs is that many things a neurotypical baby will do, such as becoming rigid, are included making identification difficult. In addition, worrying about a six week old baby's failure to imitate is excessive.

The signs of autism in early infancy have not been established and a baby displaying one or a combination of these behaviors does not necessarily have autism. However, it is still a good idea to discuss any concerns with the baby's pediatrician, especially if there are other family members who are diagnosed on the spectrum.

Autism research includes studies related to infancy. A Canadian research effort suggests that Early Signs of Autism Identified in Infants can be detected as early as six months of age. The research led to the development of the Autism Observational Scale for Infants (AOSI).

The AOSI focuses on 18 target markers that indicate a risk for autistic disorders. Through research studies the developers of the assessment test that is standardized to measure the following in babies as young as six months old.

• Ability to coordinate eye gaze with actions
• Visual tracking
• Behavioral reactivity
• Disengaging attention
• Imitation
• Communication and social behaviors
• Emotional responses
• Sensory development
• Motor development

Each aspect is rated on a scale ranging from 0 to 3, with 0 being normal. Those scoring higher on the assessment are more likely to have a pervasive developmental disorder. The AOSI was developed as a result of sibling studies.

Current research involves sibling studies that hope to identify autism and related pervasive developmental disorders early in life. Babies that have older siblings diagnosed on the autism spectrum of disorders are eligible for the projects. Activities used to test babies in the sibling studies include but are not limited to:

• Eye tracking
• Questionnaires completed by parents or guardians
• Measuring head circumference
• Weight and height measurements
• Simple social games
  • With parent or guardian
  • With a stranger
• In-home evaluations and video monitoring

During in-home visits, the researchers typically engage the baby in a number of simple activities. In addition, the baby is recorded on video interacting with toys and with her parent or guardian. During part of the session, a researcher plays with the infant using systematically selected activities that target certain expected behaviors.

Autistic disorders are not typically diagnosed until the child is considerably older, between 18 months and 4 years for classical autism, and even later for high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome. However, this does not necessarily mean that no symptoms occur in the first year of life.

The autism infant studies select siblings of autistic children because they are more likely to have the disorders, with incidence doubling in siblings. Many babies in the study may not have—and they may not develop—autism.

Other studies involving autism in infants are listed on the Autism Research Network website.

Autism in infants is extremely difficult to detect but new developments are continually developing in this area. Among the many helpful resources are families that have autistic children. The family members may notice significant differences in each of their children's development in early years. Equally as important is recognizing families that notice sudden onset of autistic symptoms.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Autism Thrush
• How Long Do Autistic People Live
• Behavior Characteristics of Autism
• Autistic Type Tendencies
• Adult Autism Symptoms