From the Guidelines
The earliest signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a 6-month-old infant may include limited or absent social smiling, reduced eye contact, and minimal social engagement with caregivers, although no definitive behavioral or diagnostic markers for ASD have yet been identified in infants aged < 12 months 1.
Key Signs to Look Out For
- Limited or absent social smiling
- Reduced eye contact
- Minimal social engagement with caregivers
- Unusual body movements such as hand flapping or rocking
- Atypical sensory responses like being overly sensitive to sounds or textures
- Unusual visual attention patterns, focusing intensely on objects rather than faces
Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is crucial, as therapies can be more effective when started early. If you notice these behaviors, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician at your baby's regular checkups. Your doctor can refer you to specialists for proper evaluation, which typically involves developmental screening tools specifically designed for infants and toddlers.
Developmental Screening Tools
The use of broadband developmental screens, such as the CSBS DP Infant/Toddler Checklist, can help detect ASD and other developmental delays in infants as young as 12 months 1. However, it is essential to note that these tools are not specific for ASD and may require follow-up evaluation by a developmental specialist.
Monitoring Development Over Time
Monitoring development over time may prove important in assessing ASD risk, consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for systematic surveillance during well-child visits 1. Caregivers should be mindful of early developmental milestones and raise questions if they have concerns that developmental goals are not being met.
From the Research
Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Infants
The early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a 6-month-old infant can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. However, research has identified some potential indicators, including:
- Decline in eye fixation from 2 to 6 months of age 2
- Attention to eyes is present but in decline in 2-6-month-old infants later diagnosed with autism 2
- Measures of general attention, attention to social stimuli, and motor behaviours associated with later autism diagnosis or symptomology 3
- Gaze behavior and affect at 6 months, which may predict clinical outcomes and language development 4
Behavioral Markers
Some studies have investigated behavioral markers of later autism diagnosis or symptomology in infants at 0-6 months, including:
- Attention, early social and communication behaviours, and motor behaviours 3
- Composite measures of behaviour 3
- Gaze to the mouth, which may be useful in predicting individual differences in language development 4
- Delays in early language and communication development, including understanding fewer phrases and producing fewer gestures 5
Diagnostic Tools
Several diagnostic tools have been found to help identify ASD in infants, including:
- Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) 6
- Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) 6
- Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) 6
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) 6
Importance of Early Identification
Early identification of ASD is crucial for timely intervention and improved long-term outcomes 6. It allows for the implementation of specialized interventions tailored to the specific needs of individuals with autism, targeting social communication, language development, and behavioral challenges 6.