04/02/2024
In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
🧩Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. Other characteristics include atypical patterns of activities and behaviors, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details, and unusual reactions to sensations.
Signs of autism in babies
🩵By 6 months
Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
Limited or no eye contact
💙By 9 months
Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions
Signs of autism in toddlers
🩵By 12 months
Little or no babbling
Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
Little or no response to name
💙By 16 months
Very few or no words
🩵By 24 months
Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)
💙Signs of autism at any age:
Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
Avoidance of eye contact
Persistent preference for solitude
Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
Delayed language development
Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
Restricted interests
Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the leading pediatric health organization in the United States, recommends that all children be screened for autism at ages 18 months and 24 months, in addition to undergoing developmental and behavioral screenings during their regular well-child visits at 9 months, 18 months and 30 months. Research shows that by age 2, an ASD diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable.
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