Is your child facing issues with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors?
These can be an early sign of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). You do not need to worry about Early detection can help the patient get the necessary support and best therapies for autism that can enhance a child’s development at a young age.
If you are looking for detailed information about autism, our blog can help you. Here in this article we will talk about the key developmental milestones in young children, focus on the significant indicators, and discuss the best therapies after the diagnosis.
What are developmental milestones?
Developmental milestones refer to the behaviors or physical skills observed in children and infants during their growth journey. These developmental signs can be separated into various categories, like social-emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and motor.
For example, a social-emotional milestone might be when a child starts to show feelings like happiness or frustration and interacts with others, such as by smiling at a parent. A language/communication milestone could be when a child says their first word, like “mama” or “dog.” A cognitive milestone might be when a child begins to understand how objects work, like pressing a button on a toy to make it light up. Finally, a motor milestone could be when a child learns to crawl or walk.
Under cognitive development or skills, we can find learning, thinking, and problem-solving. Motor development includes movement and physical growth.
We all know the fact that individual differences can be seen in children, but unnatural delay in reaching these developmental milestones can be an indication of underlying issues like ASD.
Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder
After knowing all about developmental disorders, it is important for you to know about the early signs of autism on a clear note. You can identify ASD with some range of indications, which can vary widely among children. But the early indicators can come out at the ages of 12 and 24 months, which can include challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior.
Social Interactions
You have to keep an eye on the social interactions of your child. of Here are some behaviors that may help you identify that your child is facing challenges in social interaction.
- A child with ASD may avoid eye contact, which is a significant aspect of social contact.
- By 9 months, children can give you a response if you call him or her by the name. But if the child is not responding or is ignoring, it may cause ASD.
- If your child has difficulty focusing on joint attention, it could be an early indicator of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For example, if both parents are pointing to one object and trying to make the child look at that, and if the child cannot focus on the object, it may be considered a difficulty indeed.
- Facing difficulty in recognizing and responding to the emotions of others can be referred to as a symptom of ASD.
Before focusing on the best therapies for autism, information about these early indications would be very helpful for you as aparent.
Communication and Language
Not babbling by 12 months or saying single words by 16 months might be an indication of communication delays associated with ASD.
This includes echolalia (phrase or sound repetition) or scripted speech from external sources like TV programs.
Most children use gestures such as pointing, waving, or showing objects by 12 months to indicate interest. Failure to use these gestures may be a sign of ASD.
Behavior and Motor Skills
If a child faces hardship in these kinds of activities written below, it may be an early sign of ASD.
- Doing repetitive activities like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning can be a significant sign of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- A strong inclination to a routine sometimes can become an indication of ASD. A sudden change in this routine can distress them
- If your child overreacts or underreacts to any kind of sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, or textures, you should become aware and opt for a quick checkup related to ASD for your child.
When Should You Seek Assessment?
Early detection and intervention are vital in treating ASD successfully. If you are a parent or a caregiver, you can request a professional evaluation if they notice:
- Regression of Skills: Losing existing language or social skills at any age is a major red flag.
- Lack of Social Responsiveness: Little interest in social relationships, failing to respond to their name, or failing to engage in typical back-and-forth play by 12 months.
- Delayed Communication Milestones: Lack of babbling by 12 months, lack of single words by 16 months, or lack of two-word phrases by 24 months.
- Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests: Performing repetitive movements or possessing extremely restricted, fixated interests that are inappropriate in intensity or focus.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, every child should be tested for ASD at 18 and 24 months during routine well-child visits. If any danger or concern arises, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation should indeed be done by a specialist. The specialist can be a pediatrician or child psychologist.
Best Therapies for Autism
Now in this section of the blog, we will talk about the best therapies applicable for ASD. You, as a caring parent should not panic or get frightened by observing the symptoms ASD in your child. There are several impactful therapies you can reply on. Therapies do not work magically. With frequent and regular sessions, patients can improve gradually. Let’s have a close look at the therapies.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
is generally regarded as one of the most empirically supported treatments for ASD. It is concerned with the comprehension and alteration of behaviors using positive reinforcement strategies. The therapy is generally 25 to 40 hours a week, particularly in younger children, to achieve the best results.
How it Works:
Breakdown of Skills: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) decomposes intricate tasks (such as brushing teeth or eye contact) into more manageable, teachable steps.
Positive Reinforcement: Desired behaviors are reinforced by providing a reward to the child — praise, toys, or enjoyable activities.
Data-Driven: Therapists take continuous data to track progress and make evidence-based changes to the intervention.
Customization: Interventions are adapted to each individual’s developmental level, learning style, and target behaviors.
ABA therapy is also credited with its ability to enhance communication, learning capacities, and adaptive daily living skills among autistic people. Nevertheless, the therapy should be child-sensitive and attuned to the needs of the person’s emotional being.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a goal-directed, structured therapy that helps the individual recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Although originally applied to mood and anxiety disorders, it has been effectively modified to benefit people with ASD, especially those who have difficulty with anxiety, depression, or obsessions.
How it works
Psychoeducation: Parents are taught how their child’sthat emotions, behaviors, and thoughts are interrelated. This helps them understand their child’s behavior and support them better.
Cognitive Restructuring: Cognitive restructuring helps autistic children identify and modify negative and unhelpful thought patterns. The entire process improves their thinking abilities and makes them better problem solvers, and less anxious, and boosts their overall well-being.
Emotional Regulation:. Children with autism find it hard to regulate their emotions. This can lead to anxiety, behavioral issues, and meltdowns. CBT helps the child understand and manage their emotions.
Exposure Therapy: It is a helpful approach to help the child manage their anxiety.
Behavioral Activation: Stimulates engagement in positive activities to enhance mood and prevent isolation. It reduces their avoidance behavior (intense resistance of the child to complying with requests and expectations).
These children tend to have increased anxiety because of sensory overload, social difficulties, or strict routines. CBT allows them to understand their internal experience and learn coping skills, hence decreasing stress and enhancing everyday functioning.
Speech Therapy
Speech-language therapy addresses one of the central issues in autism: communication difficulties. This therapy also boosts speech development, language understanding, social communications, and non-verbal communication.
How it works
Receptive Language: Facilitating the child to comprehend verbal language and obey instructions.
Expressive Language: Enabling the child to employ words, gestures, or augmentative communication devices (such as PECS or AAC devices) to convey messages.
Social Pragmatics:Teaching them turn-taking, conversational cues, and eye contact during interaction.
Articulation and Clarity: Facilitating the clarity of speech sounds to make verbal communication more understandable.
Speech therapy is important for enhancing functional communication. Even non-verbal children can be helped through assistive communication systems. Early intervention, particularly prior to age five, results in the greatest improvement.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy assists children with ASD in becoming independent in their activities of daily living by improving their sensory, motor, and social functioning. OT addresses “occupations” of childhood, including playing, learning, dressing, and socializing with peers.
How it Works:
Occupational therapy uses sensory Integration. Many children with autism have sensory processing difficulties likeover or under-reacting to sound, light, or texture. OT employs sensory-based strategies to assist in regulating responses.
Fine Motor Skills: Writing, fastening shirts, or the use of utensils is enhanced with specific exercises.
Daily Living Skills: Therapists assist kids in learning foundational routines like getting dressed, toothbrushing, and toilet habits.
Emotional & Behavioral Regulation: OT enables children to identify triggers and master self-soothing strategies.
Social Participation: Cooperative play and structured social experiences improve peer interaction.
OT enhances not only physical functioning but also adaptive functioning, enabling autistic children to more effectively manage the demands of daily life. Therapists frequently work with parents and schools to incorporate strategies into all settings.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treats children with ASD’s physical development, particularly gross motor skills, body coordination, and balance. Although it is not always the initial therapy for autism, it is essential for children with low muscle tone, delayed motor, or posture problems.
How it Works:
Balance & Coordination Training: Stabilization exercises to enhance walking, running, or play stability.
Postural Control: Assisting children in maintaining proper posture in sitting or standing activities.
Motor Planning: Facilitating the capacity to plan and execute physical movements such as jumping, catching, or climbing.
Final Thought
Spotting autism early and getting the right support at the right time can truly change the game for your child’s development. As a parent, knowing what to look for and when to ask for help can be empowering — and it’s the first big step on the journey. The great thing is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most effective therapies are those that are customized to fit your child’s unique strengths and challenges, helping them grow socially, communicate better, and build confidence in everyday tasks.
And you’re not alone in this. If you’re looking for expert guidance and trusted professionals, MedicoExperts is here to help. We offer a range of impactful treatments including stem cell therapy, Ayurveda, homeopathy, and combination therapy applicable to meet the unique needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). MedicoExperts connects you with experienced specialists who truly understand your child’s needs and can create a personalized care plan that works for your family. Together, we can build a strong support system — because every child deserves the chance to live happily.
Visit MedicoExperts now!
