Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that impacts one in every hundred children. It is a genetic condition that can be diagnosed early in life, with its symptoms being observable in children as young as 1 to 2 years of age. To be able to spot these early signs, parents need to be aware of the early indications of the condition. For example, children on the spectrum might not have the same degree of signs or the same condition, and early diagnosis can go a long way in helping both the patient and the parents.

Here are a few signs and behavioral patterns to look out for:

• Avoiding eye contact
  Babies are great at maintaining eye contact with people around them. It is also suggested that since infants cannot communicate verbally, eye contact is their preferred mode of communication. Babies can identify faces and respond to people who address them. It is a crucial social skill to help build relationships and take note of what is happening in their surroundings. Children on the autism spectrum are prone to less visual contact as compared to children who are not on the spectrum. If any children constantly avoid eye contact and prefer to speak to someone without looking at them, it might be an early indication of autism spectrum disorder. 

• Peculiar interests
  Children with autism will display an increased affinity for being attached to certain objects. They might even favor toys or games that provide them with sensory satisfaction over other toys. Music is one such thing that kids might develop an obsession with owing to its sensory stimulation. However, some kids might just be that into a particular music track. Children on the spectrum will also show an increased tendency to be distressed and throw tantrums if they are separated from their favorite toys and objects.

• Delayed speech
  Kids learn to speak or form coherent words at various stages of life. Some might start verbal communication early, and some might take a few more months. Kids can comprehend most instructions when they are close to a year old. However, children with autism spectrum disorder will need additional time to build the same level of understanding needed to grasp instructions and words. Delayed speech is also a symptom of a range of other conditions, making a formal diagnosis necessary.

• Emotional limitations
  After children have crossed the one-year milestone, they are more interested in spending time in a social setting or playing. Pretend games are one of the critical things that can get them excited. However, if you observe any kids who tend to keep to themselves and are not participating in activities most of the time, consider it a warning sign for autism. Children on the spectrum also prefer non-verbal ways of communicating. Although more research is required on the subject, the limited available data suggests that children with autism show a lower expression of emotions than other children in the same age group. However, it must be noted that these children are poor at expressing their feelings, which does not mean they do not feel them.

• Speech issues
  Issues with clear speech are one of the most common warning signs of autism. Children on the spectrum commonly share the trait of conversing in a monotonous voice. Their tone and speech patterns fail to convey their emotions or feelings behind the conversations they seldom participate in. Additionally, they might even stop responding to a conversation.