Early signs of autism in babies
Two years ago I didn't know much about autism. After being diagnosed myself, and my toddler starting on the pathway himself. I began to think... were there any early signs of autism when he was a baby? Can babies have autism? And the answer is yes.
When did I notice early signs of autism?
I began to notice a few 'quirks' when Albie was only a few weeks old. These things alone could of been indicators of a number of things. But coupled together I now realise that these could have been early signs of autism. I get asked a lot whether babies can have autism. However, in majority of cases, we are born with autism - it isn's something that develops suddenly at school age.
Sleeping difficulties
Babies natural sleeping schedules aren't like ours. Hence, waking every two hours! Albie's sleep never really settled. He would constantly wake in the night and seemed to need much less sleep than other babies. Now as a toddler, his bedtime routine has to be very specific. We seemed to go from normal newborn sleepless nights - toddler sleepless nights, with no good in between stage.
Sleeping difficulties in babies alone aren't early signs of autism, but coupled with his other signs I believe in his case it was an early sign of autism.
Sensory distress
If there was one early sign of autism that stands out to me its this. From a tiny baby, Albie would have extreme reactions to anything or anyone touching his feet. I remember so clearly this happening and me saying to my mum, "You don't think he has autism do you?".
As he grew older, this continued and he still has lots of sensory difficulties surrounding his feet.
- Anyone or any items touching his feet is distressing
- Tiptoe walking
- Sometimes walks barefoot
- Certain shoes cause meltdowns
- Prefers shoes with harder soles. Such as, wellies.
- Can't tolerate anything covering his feet. Even the duvet or a blanket.
Socialisation struggles
This one I put down to him being a 'covid baby' for a long time. Its only now I realise that Covid or not, this is his personality.
Albie didn't like being held by others, especially for long periods. Then as he became more aware he would stop playing if someone tried to interact, or hide away. Now I can see these were early autism signs. Social difficulties is one of the main signs of autism and can begin to show early. In fact, in some cases it can be easier to spot as a baby because as adults, we learn to mask and force social interactions when we mask to fit the social norms.
- Little to no eye contact
- Hides away from others
- Won't interact with strangers (seemingly shy)
Disclaimer
I am no expert. However, I am a mother, simply talking about my personal experience and all statements are subjective to my own experience. If you have genuine concerns about your child The M Word is a great source for parents to talk to a professional.
1 comment