Early Signs of Autism in Infants

Both Autism and Asperger syndrome are developmental disorders known as autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They begin in childhood and last through adulthood and can cause a wide range of symptoms.

These symptoms are usually grouped into three categories:

Social interaction difficulties - including a lack of awareness or understanding of other people's emotions and feelingsReduced language and communication skills - this can involve poor language development as a child and the inability to start conversations or take part in them properly as an adult.Unusual physical behavior and thought patterns - this includes making repetitive physical movements, such as twisting or hand tapping and distress when the pattern is broken.

In England, it is estimated that 1 in every 100 children has an ASD in some form. Boys are up to four times more likely to develop an ASD than girls.

There is currently no cure for ASD. However, a wide range of treatments, combined with specialist education and behavioral programs, can help improve symptoms.

There has been so much written in the papers, and so many heartbreaking stories of parents who are convinced their child's autism has been triggered by multiple vaccinations (MMR). But this theory has not been scientifically proven and it's now generally accepted that autism is not triggered by these vaccinations and that it is a case of the symptoms of autism most usually being diagnosed around the same age that the MMR jabs are routinely given.

So what are the earlier signs of autism in infants?

Early discovery and intervention can make a huge difference to a child's life, so try to always be aware of any delays in your baby's development and discuss anything that worries you with your GP.

If you observe any of the symptoms below on a consistent basis, (so don't count your children's occasional "off" days), talk to your GP who can decide if testing is necessary. Never fear that they will think you are a fussy parent worrying unnecessarily. It's your job to pick up the signals that something is not quite right.

Look out for:

Aged 2 to 3 months: Your baby is not making eye contact.Aged 3 months: He never smiles at youAged 6 months: He doesn't laugh.Aged around 8 months: He isn't following your gaze when you look away from him.Aged 9 months: He doesn't babble.Aged one year old: He doesn't turn to you when you call his name and doesn't wave bye-bye.Aged 12 to 14 months: He hasn't spoken a single word.Aged 14 months: He shows no curiosity and isn't pointing out things.Aged 18 months: He isn't capable of "pretend" play.Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist and the editor and leading writer for the Emma's Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as home births,fertility diet , early labour signs, baby month by month and etc. She also writes on women's health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.