It’s estimated that 1 in every 150 children in Singapore is on the autism spectrum. This is higher than the global incidence rate of 1 in 160 children, but the Lion City has also stepped up its efforts in providing support and resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are plenty of programmes and groups in the country that offer diagnostic, post-diagnostic, clinical, and educational services for children who have been diagnosed with ASD. Early intervention, which refers to providing specialised support to children in their developmental years, has been particularly helpful in improving outcomes for many individuals with autism. However, early diagnosis is crucial to benefit from such a program.
Parents are the primary observers of their children’s development, which means they are in the best position to identify the initial signs of ASD. Spotting these early indicators allows parents to proactively seek professional assessment, support, and assistance for their kids. If you’re in similar situation, then knowing exactly what you’re looking for will help you make informed decisions that will impact your child’s future. Here are some of the early signs that your child might need assessment, and eventually, educational therapy for autism.
Social Communication Challenges
Children with ASD may face difficulties in understanding and using social cues to communicate effectively. During social interactions, for instance, it’s possible for children with autism to struggle in making eye contact, when engaging in back-and-forth conversations, or when taking turns in communication.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to wait for your child to start engaging in conversations before you can start looking for signs of ASD, though. As early as 2 months old, infants can start making eye contact and locating faces. Between 9 to 12 months old, babies can begin responding to their names, taking part in simple interactions, or mimicking the expression of the person they are interacting with. If your child has a pattern of not demonstrating these behaviours within the expected time frame, then they might need further evaluation for autism.
Language Delays or Regression
Another area that you should monitor is your child’s language development. It’s worth noting that infants tend to learn how to gesture before they start to learn how to talk. As such, you have to pay attention to the gestures that your child makes early on. For instance, infants between 8 and 12 months old are generally able to make simple gestures such as waving, shaking their heads, or pointing at pictures and objects. Just the same, observing your child’s language development is key during this period. At 16 months, toddlers are often able to use single words, while, using 2-word phrases is typical for 2-year-olds.
Research shows that children with autism babble less, and they use and recognise fewer words in comparison to children with non-autistic development at the same age. Regression or the loss of previously acquired language skills can also be a sign of autism. If your child loses the ability to say the words that they were able to use before, then you should promptly consult with your paediatrician or with an autims spacialist.
Limited Emotional Reactivity
Among the early signs of autism in infants is the reduced display of emotions. To be clear, this doesn’t mean that children with autism feel less than their neurotypical counterparts. Rather, they simply tend to display limited emotional reactions and facial expressions. Infants with autism might be perceived to be lacking in affection, for example, or they might have a tendency to not laugh, squeal, or make babbling sounds. It’s also possible for them to demonstrate limited facial expressions or emotional reactions. An example of this is not smiling on their own. Notably, the lack of reaction or expression should appear as a pattern of non-response rather than a one-time event.
Sensory Sensitivities
On the other hand, it’s also possible for children with autism to have sensory sensitivities, which means that they might be overly sensitive to particular stimuli. While children may have individual sensory preferences, children with autism may react more intensely to certain triggers. As your child grows, you may notice that they can get easily overwhelmed or distressed in response to common sensory inputs, such as loud noises, bright lights, or particular textures. A child with sensory sensitivities might avoid looking at walls with a lot of pictures, eating food with strong taste or smell, or even using playground equipment that can affect their sense of movement. Comparing your child’s reactions to those of other children in various sensory situations can help you identify if your child’s responses fall outside the typical range.
Do understand that autism is a spectrum disorder. This means that it encompasses a wide range of characteristics and the challenges that it poses can significantly vary from one person to another. While some individuals with ASD may experience difficulties with social communication, for instance, others might struggle more with verbal communication. By understanding the potential signs of autism as well as the different ways in which the condition can manifest, you can be better equipped to recognise its early indicators. This, in turn, will help your child access early intervention and the support they need to reach their full potential.
