Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects social skills like playing, learning, and communicating. Individual cases of autism fall on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe and parents can notice autism signs as early as 6 months if they know what to watch out for.

Although the real cause of autism is unknown, Doctors believe it is caused as a result of combinations of environmental and genetics factors.

“if you have a sibling with autism, your risk of developing it increases to about 20% on average,” says Dr. Frazier. He states that other risk factors include premature birth, low birth weight, delivery complications, and having older parents.

Signs of Autism in Babies

1. If baby doesn’t react to sounds

2. Baby doesn’t babble

3. Baby doesn’t follow objects with his eyes

4. Baby doesn’t point to things

5. Baby doesn’t smile at caregivers

6. Baby doesn’t grasp and hold objects.

7. Baby doesn’t pay attention to strangers and new faces.

8. She doesn’t laugh or make squealing sounds.

9. She doesn’t reach for objects (By 8 months)

10. Baby doesn’t turn her head to locate where sounds are coming from.

11. She doesn’t use gestures such as waving or shaking her head (By 12 months)

12. She can’t stand when supported (12 months)

It’s important to note that these criteria aren’t conclusive evidence of autism. “They’re simply things we look for to determine if we need to further assess the baby,” says Mandi Silverman, PsyD, MBA, senior director of the Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute. Another social or developmental factor may be to blame.

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