14 Feb Early Signs of Autism in 18 Month Old Toddlers
Posted at 02:55h
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Signs of autism can be detected in children as young as 18 months. By learning what behaviors are atypical, you can identify autism early in your child’s development.
This video will explore the red flags that can appear in a child’s behavior between 12 and 24 months. The video follows Liam, an 18 month old diagnosed with autism.
All about diagnosis
What We Learned from this Video:
- Between 12 and 24 months, autism can be diagnosed by a lack of certain behaviors.
- Liam had a number of issues during his first six months, ranging from low muscle tone to head lag to lack of motor skills.
- Around 9 months, Liam developed sensory issues.
- Liam said mama and dada at 13 months, but it only lasted 3 or 4 weeks. He has not said those words since.
- Liam also has had issues sleeping. He wakes up frequently throughout the night.
- Liam shows no interest in his baby sister.
- Liam would take off his diaper and play in his feces.
- He also started head-shaking and hand-flapping.
- An 18 month old should typically know several words. Liam does not communicate and does not respond to his name.
- A typical 18 month old should like to share and show people things.
- Children should feel fearful around strangers, clinging to parents around new people or in new environments.
- Typical 18 month olds should know the uses of ordinary household objects and engage in pretend play.
- Hyperactivity, sleeping issues and low muscle tone can be warning signs of autism.
- The signs can be gradual, but the diagnosis can feel out of the blue.
- Genetic autistic traits can be inherited from parents.
- Seeing a developmental pediatrician to screen your child can be critical.
- An autism evaluation includes a series of questions for the parents, followed by a behavioral evaluation of the child.
- An autism diagnosis is based less on existing behavior, and more on missing behavior.
There are a number of identifiers and symptoms that can point to autism. By being aware of them you can seek screening early, which can be a monumental step in helping your child. Set up a consultation with Ability Life Solutions today!