Autism is a progressive cognitive disorder that primarily impacts a child’s ability to communicate and interact daily. The condition develops and progresses early on with symptoms affecting behavior and communication, impacting a child’s normal growth. Children also develop limits and deficits in the necessary social skills for bonding and emotional development. The condition has no cure, but identifying the symptoms early and planning prompt treatment can improve the long-term outlook.

Slow responses and reactions
Autism affects the child’s emotional development. So, what comes naturally to other children may not be the same for children who are in the early stages of this disorder. Autistic children are slow to react, hesitate to smile or laugh slowly, resist hugging or cuddling, and neglect any interest in everyday routine. The condition is imminent if babies don’t babble naturally, develop facial expressions that don’t match reactions, and avoid eye contact within the first 12 months.

Social isolation
After the first 12 months, toddlers and preschoolers struggle with any activity that requires an emotional connection, be it with an object or even a person. Parents must take note of their child’s preferences and interests to check if they are showing signs of distancing. Key signs include playing on their own and avoiding social contact even if another child approaches them. Children between 12 and 18 months developing autism signs show severe social isolation.

Repetitive movements
Abrupt and uncontrolled movements are also unusual autism signs that show up early on during the disorder’s developmental phase. Young children tend to develop hyperactivity to triggers around them that affect their primary senses. It could be sounds, lights, tastes, and smells that cause rapid repetitive movements. Children might go around in circles, rock back and forth without reason, flap their hands or feet unnecessarily, and develop unnatural movements.

Speech problems
Autism also impacts the child’s ability to speak, with early signs indicating unusual speech patterns. Children may speak in a monotone voice or develop disturbing responses that follow a set pattern of speech. Speech problems develop in tandem with emotional disturbances, where kids might stop responding to normal requests or give unrelated answers. One might also notice a repetition of certain words and phrases that indicates cognitive decline impacting speech.

Behavioral problems
Autism impacts emotional reasoning, analytical thinking, and rational thinking. So, it’s quite possible for children to develop tantrums in the early stages of the disorder. These tantrums can develop as a response to changes in their routine or pattern that takes kids out of their comfort zone. Tantrums can get out of hand if these kids also start banging their arms, legs, or head on surfaces indicating self-inflicting harm. Immediate consultation is advisable at this stage.

Developing unusual preferences
one of the most glaring signs of developing autism is unusual preferences and interests. Young children might become obsessed with a symmetrical shape or a particular pattern of inanimate objects. If they throw tantrums when this object is removed, it is an indicator of separation anxiety. Apart from objects, young kids might even react impulsively to specific sensory cues in and around their space. It could be a particular light, smell, sound, or object that is not pleasing visibly. Preferences also extend to foods and beverages with a particular craving for one food or drink. Note that there is no set pattern for these preferences.

Besides these signs, children with autism spectrum disorder are also at risk of developing gastrointestinal discomfit that result in mild to moderate symptoms. Children may experience some abdominal pain, struggle with constipation, or even diarrhea. Note that these symptoms develop in no orderly progression and worsen with the severity of the condition.