Understanding Autism in 2-Year-Olds: Recognizing Early Signs

Autism varies from child to child, and not all autistic children exhibit the same symptoms. However, early signs that parents spot in their toddlers can indicate the possibility of autism. The presence of these signs does not necessarily mean that the child has autism.

Still, further evaluation by a medical professional such as a pediatrician or developmental specialist may be necessary. Early intervention is very important and helpful for children with autism to support their developmental and communication skills.

What are the early signs of autism in a 2 year old?

Early signs of autism in 2-year-olds include:

1 Communication:

• During a child’s first few years, social interaction and communication cues are important areas to be aware of in autism.
• Typical social, emotional, and communication development in children includes responding to names, making eye contact, and using gestures. Children with autism typically take longer to understand certain communication cues. This may be indicated by:
• Delayed or limited language development. For example, a child’s vocabulary may be limited to a certain set of words, such as mom and dad, but he or she has difficulty using phrases beyond that.
• Difficulty starting or continuing conversations. For example, a child may need to answer a question properly or repeat the same thing over and over again.
• Repetitive speech patterns include phrases that are repeated without understanding their meaning. For example, children may repeat the same things they hear on TV or the radio and use them without context.
• Difficulty expressing needs and desires and using body language. For example, you may want something but are unable to show or tell your parents.

Also read: Speech-Language Pathologists – What do they do? Why do we need them?

2 Social interaction:

They may do things like:

• Don’t use eye contact to get someone’s attention – For example, if they’re constantly looking at you, or keep looking at you for a quick bite or a snack, to show that they want it, or something like that. They may not look back at you when you see them. If it excites them, they may point or hold up things to show you something. For example, your dog won’t point at you and turn around to make sure you saw it, or drop a cloth or toy inside. Instead of putting your knees up and staring at the same thing for too long, get your knees up and walk away.
• Does not respond consistently when name is called or when gestures are made. For example, they don’t wave or clap when they’re not asked to, or they don’t nod their heads for “yes” or shake their heads for “no.”
• When you smile at yourself or others, don’t smile back.
• We rarely copy or try to learn from the actions of others. For example, combing the other person’s hair when you comb your own.
• When they mumble or don’t mumble, it sounds like they’re talking to you.
• I need help understanding simple one-line instructions. For example, “Give me the paper” or “Show me the pot.”

Also Read: Best Autism Supplements and Vitamins

3 Human relationships and play

They may do things like:

• They rarely show interest in other children or their activities. For example, they may not look at you or try to get your attention by playing games like peek-a-boo or circling the garden.
• They rarely pretend to play. For example, they might not even pretend to feed the teddy bear or play house.
• They rarely share their toys with others. For example, you may not give your belongings to anyone.

Four early behavioral signs of autism

• If your young child has autism, they may:
• They become extremely interested in certain objects or toys and don’t want to let them go. For example, they primarily play with cars and dolls and get annoyed when they are taken away from them.
• they regularly repetitive behavior and movements – for example, they might repeatedly turn the wheels or clothes on a toy car, or take off and put on clothes on a doll.

5 Repetitive movements

• They interact with toys and objects unexpectedly, depending on their preferences. For example, they may enjoy arranging objects repeatedly, placing toys in piles, or arranging certain objects.
• They show a strong interest in certain activities or items and become upset when they are unable to participate, such as watching the same TV show over and over again over multiple sessions.

6 Continuous routine

• If a young child has autism, they can be easily upset by change and usually prefer routine. For example, you may want to follow the same route to a specific location, such as a daycare center or your grandparents’ house.

7 Repetitive movement of items

• If a young child has autism, they may make repetitive body movements or move their body unexpectedly. For example:
• arch your back
• flapping one’s hands
• Grip your arm tightly.
• walk on tiptoe

8 Sensory hypersensitivity

• Children with autism are easily influenced by external stimuli and may react immediately to external events over which they have no control, such as their environment or surroundings. social stimulation.
• If your young child has autism, they may:
• Be sensitive to the atmosphere of unfamiliar places – For example, they may be more easily disturbed by noise or bright lights than other children. They also prefer their environment to be the same – for example, they are likely to only eat food, wear clothes of a certain texture or color, or even wear the same clothes every day.
• Enjoy the feeling of familiarity. For example, you may rub your hands or objects against your lips, or face objects.

If you suspect your child has autism, it helps to remember that early intervention is key. If your 2-year-old exhibits any of the above signs, we recommend discussing your concerns with your pediatrician or developmental specialist. Quantitative and qualitative assessments can be performed to determine whether further evaluation and intervention is required.

Also read: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sleep: Common Problems and Solutions

How to deal with early autism?

Early detection of autism leads to early intervention, which helps children with autism develop the necessary skills and reach their full potential. It is important for parents, caregivers, and health professionals to monitor and address these signs. Through early intervention, therapy, and a supportive environment, many children with autism can thrive and lead fulfilling lives. Therefore, personal support and understanding are essential for autistic children and their families to move towards a brighter future.

Conclusion-

In conclusion, recognizing the early signs of autism in 2-year-old children is critical for timely intervention and support. It’s important to remember that all children develop at their own pace, but being alert to potential red flags can have a big impact on your child’s developmental trajectory. As mentioned above, important early signs to look out for include social difficulties, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.

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