Autistic newborns may show early signs of atypical development, such as reduced eye contact, limited social interactions, and differences in response to sensory stimuli.
Understanding Autism in Newborns
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Typically, autism is diagnosed in children when they reach the age of two or older, but research suggests that signs of autism can be present much earlier, even in newborns.
For parents and caregivers, understanding how autistic newborns act can be challenging, as early signs of autism are often subtle and can overlap with typical infant behaviors. It’s important to note that autism manifests in a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and no two children with autism are alike. However, there are some early indicators that may suggest a child could be on the autism spectrum.
In this article, I will explore the behaviors and signs that autistic newborns might display, offer insights into how these signs differ from typical infant behaviors, and provide helpful guidance on when to seek professional evaluation.
Key Behaviors of Autistic Newborns
Though autism is often diagnosed later in childhood, research has highlighted specific early signs that may appear in the newborn phase. These signs typically relate to social engagement, communication, and sensory processing.
1. Limited Eye Contact
One of the earliest and most common signs of autism in newborns is reduced or absent eye contact. While most babies will naturally seek out their caregiver's eyes and engage in mutual gaze, autistic newborns may seem less interested in making eye contact. They might appear to look past their caregivers, or they may focus intently on objects or their own hands instead.
Eye contact is a crucial form of communication in human development, and a lack of it can signal that a baby may not be fully engaging with social cues. However, it's essential to remember that some infants may be more or less sensitive to eye contact, and a lack of eye contact alone does not confirm autism.
2. Reduced Response to Social Cues
Autistic newborns might have difficulty responding to social cues that are naturally engaging for most babies. This includes not reacting to facial expressions or voices, particularly the voice of their primary caregiver. For example, while typical newborns may respond to a parent's smile with a coo or even a subtle smile themselves, autistic infants may seem less responsive or indifferent to the caregiver’s facial expressions and sounds.
This lack of response to social cues is often part of a broader difficulty with social interaction, which is one of the hallmark features of autism. Newborns and infants develop social communication skills by interacting with caregivers, and delays or differences in these interactions can be early indicators of autism.
3. Limited or Absent Babbling and Cooing
While not always immediately obvious in the newborn stage, delays in communication development, such as babbling and cooing, can be a potential sign of autism. Most babies will start making cooing sounds or "goo-goo" noises by the time they are 2-3 months old, as a precursor to speech development. However, autistic babies might show less interest in producing these sounds, or their vocalizations might sound atypical compared to their peers.
Communication delays in autistic newborns might extend beyond speech and include differences in body language, gestures, and the ability to mimic sounds or facial expressions.
4. Sensory Sensitivities
Another common feature of autism is hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input. Autistic newborns might display unusual reactions to sounds, textures, light, or smells. Some babies may become overly agitated when exposed to certain sensory stimuli, such as the sound of a vacuum cleaner, a particular fabric on their clothing, or the smell of certain foods. Others may seem indifferent to sensory stimuli that would typically engage a baby, such as bright lights, loud noises, or a gentle touch.
These sensory sensitivities can be particularly noticeable when the newborn is in a stimulating environment, such as a busy room or during playtime. The baby may cry, turn away, or appear physically distressed by certain stimuli. In contrast, some autistic infants may not react to sensory input at all, even when they are exposed to something that would typically elicit a response from other babies.
5. Delayed Motor Development
Although motor skills are not typically the first area affected in autism, some newborns with autism may show signs of delayed motor development, such as limited movement, reduced hand-eye coordination, or difficulties in holding their head up. These delays could become more apparent as the baby grows and starts to engage in more complex movements, such as sitting, crawling, and walking.
It's important to remember that motor development varies widely among infants, and minor delays in motor milestones are common in many babies. However, when combined with other social or communication concerns, delayed motor skills might raise a flag for further evaluation.
Differences Between Typical Infant Development and Autistic Signs
While many of the behaviors mentioned above may be concerning, it's essential to differentiate between typical infant development and potential signs of autism. Babies develop at different rates, and many factors—such as temperament, environment, and genetics—can influence their early behaviors. Here’s a comparison to help distinguish between typical infant behavior and signs of autism.
Social Engagement
- Typical Infants: Most newborns seek out eye contact with their caregivers, respond to voices, and show signs of attachment, such as crying when their caregiver leaves the room or smiling at familiar faces.
- Autistic Newborns: Autistic infants may show less social engagement and may not react to social cues in the same way. They may not make eye contact, and they may seem less interested in interacting with their caregivers or other people.
Communication
- Typical Infants: At around 2-3 months, most infants begin to babble and coo in response to voices and interactions. They typically respond to sounds, including their name, and may begin to imitate sounds or facial expressions.
- Autistic Newborns: Babies with autism may show a delay in these early communication milestones. They may not babble as frequently or may not coo in response to caregivers. There may also be less imitation of sounds or facial expressions.
Sensory Sensitivity
- Typical Infants: Newborns are often sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, and certain textures, but they can usually be soothed or comforted by their caregivers.
- Autistic Newborns: Autistic babies may have more pronounced sensory sensitivities, such as becoming agitated or distressed by ordinary stimuli. Conversely, some may not respond to sensory input at all, such as not reacting to loud sounds or being touched.
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
If you observe several of these behaviors in your newborn, it’s important to monitor their development and seek a professional evaluation if necessary. Keep in mind that many of these behaviors—such as reduced eye contact or delayed babbling—are common in all babies at some stage of development. However, if multiple signs of autism are present and persist beyond the first few months, it may be worth consulting with a pediatrician or specialist.
Here are a few signs that might prompt further evaluation:
- Lack of eye contact or limited facial expressions beyond the typical newborn phase.
- Absence of cooing or babbling by 3-4 months.
- Difficulty responding to voices or familiar sounds.
- A noticeable lack of social engagement or limited interaction with caregivers.
- Severe sensory sensitivities or a lack of response to sensory stimuli.
- Delayed motor development compared to typical milestones.
Early intervention can make a significant difference in supporting a child with autism. While there is no definitive test for autism at such a young age, a pediatrician can conduct developmental screenings to evaluate any delays or concerns and refer you to specialists if necessary.
Conclusion – How Do Autistic Newborns Act?
Autistic newborns may exhibit early signs of atypical development, such as reduced eye contact, less social engagement, limited communication, and heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory stimuli. While these behaviors may overlap with typical infant development, it’s essential to observe patterns and seek professional advice if multiple signs of autism are present. Early intervention can help provide children with the necessary support and resources for healthy development.
If you notice any signs of autism in your newborn, it's crucial to consult with your pediatrician. They can guide you in assessing your baby’s development and suggest further steps, including developmental screenings or referrals to specialists. The earlier the signs are recognized, the earlier effective support can be provided.