Early warning signs of autism in children

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Many children with autism spectrum disorder show developmental differences as early as infancy, especially in social and language skills. In addition to language delays and behavioral differences, parents may notice differences in the way children with autism interact with their peers. So what are the signs of autistic children over 12 months or younger?

1. Why do children with autism show abnormal signs?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Scientists still don't know exactly what causes these differences for most people with ASD. However, some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. There are many causes of ASD, although most are still unknown.
Due to the complexity of the disorder and the fact that symptoms and severity vary, autism can therefore have many causes. Both genetics and environment can play a role.
Genetics: Several different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. For some children, autism spectrum disorders may be related to a genetic disorder, such as Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. For other children, genetic changes (mutations) can increase the risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder. There are still other genes that can affect brain development or the way brain cells communicate with each other, or those that can determine the severity of autism symptoms. Some gene mutations appear to be inherited, while others can occur spontaneously. Environmental factors: Researchers are now investigating whether factors such as viral infections, certain medications or pregnancy complications, or air pollutants play a role in the disorder. autism spectrum disorder or not.
Usually children with autism don't look different from other children, but the way they communicate, interact, behave and learn is different from most people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of young people with autism range from genius to severe learning difficulty. Some children with autism need a lot of help with everyday life, but others may need less.
Current diagnosis of autism is often accompanied by several separately diagnosed conditions: autism spectrum disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-nonspecific (PDD-NOS) and Asperger's syndrome. These conditions are all known as autism spectrum disorders.

Autism usually begins before age 3 and lasts throughout a person's life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children with autism show signs of future problems in the first few months of life. In others, symptoms may not appear until 24 months of age or later. Some children with autism seem to develop normally until about 18 to 24 months of age, and then they stop gaining new skills or lose skills they once had. Studies have shown that one-third to one-half of parents of children with autism notice a problem before their child's first birthday, and nearly 80%-90% have a problem by 24 months of age.
It is important to note that some people without autism may also have some of these symptoms. But for people with autism, these disabilities make life very difficult.

2. Signs of autistic children at different ages

2.1 Signs of Autism in Children Under 12 Months At the age of 12 months, spotting the signs of autism includes paying attention to whether your child is meeting developmental milestones . Here are some signs that parents need to watch out for:
Not showing interest on their faces. Doesn't make eye contact, doesn't smile, and may even look you straight in the eye. Does not always respond to sound. Does not respond when the child is called by name, does not turn to see where the sound is coming from, or does not appear startled when a loud noise is heard. In other situations, his hearing seems normal. Doesn't like being cuddled or being touched by others. Does not show interest in games that other children often play and enjoy. Does not babble or show early signs of early speech. Don't use gestures, such as reaching your hand out when your baby wants to be held.

2.2 Signs of Autism in Toddlers 12-24 Months Old Child Doesn't Use Gestures. Do not shake your head to answer yes or no. Don't wave goodbye or point at things your child wants. Children do not enter objects to show interest in the world around them. While others are between 14 and 16 months old, most babies only get your attention to share something they care about, such as a puppy or a new toy. Children are not using single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by 24 months. Loss of communication or social skills. In the past, children may babble or say a few words or show interest in people, but by this stage they are not exhibiting these behaviors. Children seem to ignore or not pay attention to those around them and they are only in their own world. Walking on toes or the child cannot walk. 2.3 Signs of autism in children 2 years of age and older Children with language delays: Children may have difficulty expressing their own needs. Some children with autism do not talk at all, while others develop language but have difficulty engaging in conversation with others. Unusual speech patterns: The child may speak in staccato, high-pitched or monotone voices. Children may use single words in place of a long sentence or repeat a word or phrase over and over. Children can repeat the same question. Children with autism do not seem to understand what people are saying to them. The child may not respond when called by name or the child may not be able to follow directions from others. Children may laugh, cry, or scream out of nowhere and out of the ordinary. Focus narrowly on one subject, something about the subject (like the wheels on a toy car), or one topic at a time. Rarely does your child imitate what you do and not participate in the role play. Children with autism prefer to play alone: ​​Children appear to have little interest in other children and often do not share toys or play catch with other children. Shows rigid behavior: Your child may be very attached to a routine and have difficulty transitioning. Example: When there is a change in the usual route home from daycare, it can lead to a child falling into despair or throwing a tantrum. Children pay special attention to what they will and will not eat. Or the child wants to follow the right rules or ways of eating in snacks and meals. Playing with objects or toys in unusual ways: Example: Children spend a lot of time organizing things or putting them in a certain order. Children love to open and close doors over and over again. Or the child becomes very busy with constantly pressing buttons on toys or spinning the wheels of toy cars. Self-injury, such as biting or hitting yourself. Shows repetitive actions, such as clapping his arm or hand. Hypersensitivity to stimuli: Children may resist touch, be agitated by noise, be extremely sensitive to odors, or refuse to eat many foods. Alternatively, your child may just want to wear clothes that don't have tags or that are made of certain materials. Children may overreact to some types of pain and slow to others. For example, a child may cover their ears to block out loud noises but not realize they have lost skin due to a knee injury. Children may be fearful when it is not necessary or not afraid when there is a reason that would normally frighten others. For example, a child may be afraid of an innocuous object, like a balloon, but not afraid of heights. Sleep disturbances: Many children with autism have trouble falling asleep and frequently wake up at night or get up very early. Showing behavioral problems: Children may be resistant, uncooperative, or overactive, hyperactive, impulsive, or aggressive.

Children in the period from 6 months to 3 years old are very susceptible to respiratory problems, respiratory infections, skin diseases and gastrointestinal infections... parents need special attention attention to the care and provision of adequate nutrition for children. The pediatric department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in children. With a system of facilities, modern medical equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread, Vinmec will bring satisfaction to customers. and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of leading pediatricians: Including leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctors, Master's degree), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are all well-trained, professional, conscientious, knowledgeable about young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. Advanced techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull, stem cell transplant blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to play comfortably and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

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Reference sources: babycenter.com, mayoclinic.org
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