Detecting and diagnosing a child with ASD traits is very important to be able to offer better and early therapeutic care, thus offering an appropriate response to the possible temporary or non-transitory needs that they present in their development, benefiting, in this way, the child and consequently of its entire environment.

Child development in the early years is characterized by the progressive acquisition of functions as important as postural control, autonomy of movement, communication, verbal language, and social interaction. But we can easily observe that each child is a world and, therefore, they acquire the same skills at different times, carrying out their own process. However, we must be attentive and see if after a reasonable time they do not develop these skills or continue to show deficiencies or difficulties.

For example, difficulties in relating to other people, such as the way in which one pays attention to certain aspects or objects or deals with one's surroundings, can be warning signs, which can lead to a delay in the acquisition of speech and language. or what is more complicated, a developmental or autism spectrum disorder. We must be attentive and observe if these characteristics are present along with other specific characteristics to be able to inform ourselves and guide us as to what possibilities we can offer our little one.

Below is an image and a list of the most prominent red flags to look out for. It is a list of warning signs that children aged 12 to 24 months may present if they are at risk of having ASD. In any case, this is just a list of signs to keep in mind and to be able to empower all those parents who suspect that something is not working well, but only a qualified and experienced professional can correctly diagnose if someone has or not ASD.

Children 12 to 24 months old at risk for ASD may:

• They speak or babble with a strange tone of voice.
• Show a rare sensitivity to some sensory input (lights, sounds, textures).
• They do not let go of an object, even if they have been with it for a long time.
• Make strange movements with your body or hands, such as flapping your wings or rhythmic movements of your head.
• Play with their toys in a strange and repetitive way.
• They don't show enthusiasm for exploring new things or seem inactive.
• They get extremely angry or difficult to calm down.

Children 12 to 24 months old at risk for ASD may NOT:

• Point at things with your finger or ask for things you want in this way.
• They babble or talk to another person in a feint of conversation.
• Try to get the attention of others.
• They smile in response to your smile.
• Make good eye contact.
• Show objects to others.
• Respond when called.
• Watch when you try to direct their attention to others.
• They like to be hugged or pampered.
• Say your first words between 12 and 24 months.
• Use common gestures and clear body language.
• Show that you share a joy or fun.
• Show interest in other children.
• Have a wide variety of facial expressions.

Bibliography:

• Fortea Sevilla MS, Escandell Bermúdez MO, Castro Sánchez JJ. (2013) Early detection of autism. Professionals involved. Rev Esp Public Health 87(2): 191-199. www.scielosp.org/pdf/resp/v87n2/08_original4.pdf
• Kantzer AK, Fernell E, Gillberg C, Miniscalco C. (2013) Autism in community pre-schoolers: Developmental profiles. Res Dev Disabil 34(9):2900-2908.
• Zwaigenbaum L, Bryson S, Garon N. (2013) Early identification of autism spectrum disorders. Behav Brain Res doi:pii: S0166-4328(13)00194-0
• https://www.bloghoptoys.es/descarga-los-primeros-signos-del-autismo/
• drlawrencetucker.com/early-signs-of-autism/
• www.bestofyoutoday.com/ask-nutrition-expert/detecting-earliest-signs-autism
• https://autismodiario.org/2013/09/27/senales-tempranas-de-autismo/

Text written by MARIONA ALSEDÀ FLORENSA