10 Telltale Signs of Autism in Your 10-Month-Old: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
As a parent, it's understandable to want to monitor your child's development in order to ensure that they're reaching their milestones as expected. However, for parents of children with autism, recognizing the signs can be a bit more challenging.
If your child is 10-months-old and you suspect that they may be showing signs of autism, there are several things to look out for. In this comprehensive guide, we've compiled a list of 10 telltale signs to help you determine whether or not your child should be evaluated by a trained professional.
From delays in speech and social interaction, to repetitive behavior and sensory issues, these signs can be difficult to recognize on your own. However, armed with the information in this article, you'll have a better understanding of what to look for and how you can support your child's development.
If you're concerned that your child may be exhibiting signs of autism, it's important to seek the guidance of a pediatrician or mental health specialist. By working with the right professionals, you can begin to develop a plan that will help your child thrive and reach their full potential.
Take the first step towards supporting your child's long-term success by reading this comprehensive guide today!
Introduction
Parenting is a beautiful journey filled with love, care, and concern for the little one. Observing your baby grow, making milestones, and achieving growth parameters are moments of joy for parents. However, at times, parents may notice certain developmental delays in their child. In some cases, these delays could be early indications of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To help parents understand better, we have put together a comprehensive guide on ten telltale signs of autism in your 10-month-old.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction abilities. ASD refers to a range of disorders that make it challenging for an individual to communicate, socialize, or even understand cues such as facial expression or tone of voice.
Telltale Signs
Parents can look out for specific behaviors or signs that could indicate that their 10-month old has autism spectrum disorder, which could help alleviate the symptoms by seeking professional help or intervention. Here are ten telltale signs:
| Telltale Signs of Autism | Normal development at 10 months |
|---|---|
| No babbling | Babbling sounds like ma, ba, da. |
| No response to their name | Responds to sound, names, or engages in playful activities. |
| Absent Eye contact | Makes eye contact, follows objects visually. |
| Doesn't show objects to others | Points or shows objects to others. |
| No interest in playing games that involve social interaction | Enjoys peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, and other games that involve others |
| No facial expressions concerning emotions | Shows emotion through facial expressions like smiling or frowning. |
| Delayed motor skills | Moves his/her arms and legs in a coordinated way. |
| Difficulty with communication | Makes sounds to communicate, such as cooing or babbling. |
| Very less social interaction | Cradles and communicates with parents or caregivers or strangers. |
| Repetitive behavior or obsessive nature | Adjusts to changes in routine and plays with new toys and people. |
No Babbling
Babbling is an important language skill that babies should start developing from 7 months onwards. Babies who don't babble by 10 months may show signs of delayed speech development or problems with vocalization.
No Response to their Name
A baby should be able to respond to his name and voice by 7-8 months. If your baby doesn’t pay attention when you call, it could be an indicator of hearing problems or autism spectrum disorder.
Absent Eye Contact
Babies usually look at their caregiver's eyes when being spoken to, or when trying to communicate with them. If your baby avoids eye contact or seems uninterested in faces by 10 months, this could be a red flag.
Doesn't Show Objects to Others
A baby should start pointing to show others an object they are interested in or hand it over by the age of 8-9 months. Babies with autism may not understand the concept of showing and sharing.
No Interest in Playing Games that involve Social Interaction
Gestures like peek-a-boo, waving bye-bye, or clapping with others are some games that promote social interaction and teach babies about cooperation. A 10-month-old baby with autism may not respond to these activities.
No Facial Expressions Concerning Emotions
Babies that smile, coo or even pull a frown are developing emotional connections by mimicking the caregivers. If your baby displays no emotions or makes limited facial expressions, it may be a sign of autism spectrum disorder.
Delayed Motor Skills
Babies develop gross motor skills like sitting, crawling, standing, and walking between 7 to 18 months. Delayed development of such motor skills is a warning sign of possible developmental disorders that may need investigation.
Difficulty with Communication
Babies start communicating through single words and gestures by 10 months; they might say “mama” or “dada” with meaning. On the other hand, babies with autism may find communicating difficult, as they may not use words intentionally.
Very Less Social Interaction
Babies start responding to interactions from caregivers and strangers, shows interest in new activities and toys by the age of 9-10 months. Babies with autism may not show any response to these experiences. They may become inconsolable or disinterested when in social environments.
Repetitive behavior or obsessive nature
Repetitive behavior goes beyond a favorite toy or blanket in babies with autism. Obsessing over small parts of a toy, repeating phrases or actions can be signs of delayed development milestones.
Conclusion
The above signs do not necessarily mean a baby has autism spectrum disorder; it is essential to seek professional assessment by doctors and pediatricians, who can help you address the specific developmental concerns. Early intervention and preschool programs can greatly help children who are at risk of or have autism spectrum disorder. It's important to remember that every child develops at their pace, so enjoy parenting, celebrate milestones, and seek interventions early on.
Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive guide for parents on the 10 telltale signs of autism in 10-month-old babies. We understand that identifying signs that may indicate autism can be daunting, but it’s important to take note of these signs so that early intervention and appropriate support can be provided.
Being aware of your child's developmental milestones is crucial, and if any of the signs mentioned in this guide are displayed by your 10-month-old, we highly encourage you to seek advice from a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early intervention and support from professionals can significantly improve a child's prognosis and help them reach their full potential.
Lastly, we hope that this guide has been helpful and informative for new parents who may be worried about their child's development. Remember, there is no shame in seeking help or advice from professionals, and with the right support and guidance, children with autism can thrive and live fulfilling lives. Thank you for reading.
As a parent, it is important to be aware of the developmental milestones that your child should be reaching. One of the milestones is recognizing the signs of autism in your 10-month-old. Here are some frequently asked questions about the 10 telltale signs of autism in your 10-month-old:
- What are the early signs of autism in a 10-month-old?
- Delayed or absent babbling
- Lack of interest in social interaction
- Avoidance of eye contact
- No response to their name being called
- Repetitive behaviors or movements
- Is it possible for a 10-month-old to be diagnosed with autism?
- What should I do if I notice my 10-month-old showing signs of autism?
- Can early intervention help a 10-month-old with autism?
- What kind of therapies are available for a 10-month-old with autism?
- How can I support my 10-month-old with autism at home?
- Are there any medical treatments for autism in a 10-month-old?
- Is it common for a 10-month-old to show signs of autism?
- What is the outlook for a 10-month-old with autism?
- How can I find resources and support for my child with autism?
No, children are typically not diagnosed with autism until they are at least 2 years old. However, if you notice any concerning behaviors in your 10-month-old, it is important to bring them up with your pediatrician.
If you have concerns about your child's development, talk to your pediatrician. They can refer you to a specialist who can evaluate your child and provide recommendations for early intervention services.
Yes, early intervention can be very effective in helping young children with autism develop important skills and improve their overall quality of life.
There are a variety of therapies that can be helpful for children with autism, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy.
There are many things you can do to support your child's development at home, such as providing a structured routine, engaging in interactive play, and creating a sensory-friendly environment.
There is no cure for autism, but some children may benefit from medications to manage certain symptoms, such as anxiety or hyperactivity.
Autism affects approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States, so while it is not common, it is not rare either.
The outlook for children with autism can vary widely, depending on the severity of their symptoms and the interventions they receive. Early intervention is key to improving outcomes for children with autism.
There are many resources available for parents of children with autism, including support groups, online forums, and advocacy organizations. Your child's specialist can also provide you with information about local resources and services.