Signs of Autism in a 10-Month Baby

Signs of Autism in a 10-Month-Old Baby | One of the earliest potential red flags for autism is lack of eye contact. Babies typically start regularly looking into their parents’ eyes within the first few months of life. By 6-8 months, babies enjoy back-and-forth social games like peekaboo that involve eye contact and engagement.

A 10-month-old baby showing early signs of autism may avoid eye contact altogether and seem to prefer playing alone. They may not turn and look when their name is called. Lack of eye contact can indicate lack of shared interest or attention between baby and parent.

Babies begin communicating through gestures like pointing, waving, reaching, or clapping around 9-12 months. An absence of these social gestures in your 10-month-old could signal a problem. Babies with autism often don’t point at objects to direct a parent’s attention, which is a key milestone.

Lack of shared attention or interest in toys or surroundings is another potential early warning sign. Babies generally become curious about objects and toys around this age. But a baby with autism might not show interest in a toy placed in front of them or notice when things in their environment change.

Signs of Autism in a 10-Month-Old Baby

Language and Communication

One of the key areas of development to watch closely at 10 months is your baby’s language and communication skills. While every child progresses at their own pace, there are some communication milestones that are typical for babies at this age. Lack of progress or regression in these areas could signal a need for further evaluation.

Lack of Babbling

By 10 months, most babies have started babbling and vocalizing consonant and vowel sounds like “ba-ba-ba” or “da-da-da.” Your baby may string sounds together, experiment with pitch, or babble as if having a conversation. Babies with autism often show less babbling, vocalizations, or attempts at speech sounds. Your baby may be unusually quiet or silent for long stretches.

Unusual Vocalizations

Some babies with autism may make unusual or repetitive vocalizations instead of typical babbling. This could involve high-pitched squealing, growling, grunting, or other atypical sounds. The vocalizations may have an odd or sing-song quality. Your baby may repeat the same unusual vocalization over and over.

Signs of Autism in a 10-Month-Old Baby

Delayed Language Milestones

Typical 10-month-olds understand some simple words and phrases like “bye-bye” or “no-no.” They respond to hearing their name called. Your baby should recognize words for common items like “bottle” or “blankie.” Babies with autism often show delays in language comprehension and have difficulty connecting words with meaning. Your baby may seem unable to understand simple instructions or requests.

Lack of typical babbling, unusual vocalizations, and delay in language milestones can all point to autism or other communication disorders. Discuss any concerns with your pediatrician and request a speech-language evaluation if needed. Early intervention for speech delays can make a huge difference.

One of the most common early indicators of autism in babies is a lack of typical social and emotional development. Babies who are later diagnosed with autism often do not show interest in interacting with others or lack typical social responsiveness.

Some key social signs to look for at 10 months include:

Lack of social smiling – Babies with autism may rarely smile at their parents or others, even when being played with or smiled at directly. They often have a serious, expressionless face instead of smiling back.
Aloofness or lack of interest in others – Babies with autism tend to be content playing alone and ignore or avoid social interactions. They may not turn their head or look when their name is called.

Does not imitate or respond to facial expressions – Typical babies begin mimicking expressions like smiling, frowning or surprise. Babies with autism do not reciprocate or engage in this social mirroring.
Lack of shared attention or interest – Normal infants will point or gesture to draw attention to objects or events. Autistic babies do not initiate joint attention or share interest with others.
Prefers solitary play – Babies with autism seem to prefer playing alone with toys, rather than interactive games like peekaboo or being read to. They are often content in their own world.

Lack of anticipation being picked up – Typical babies will lift their arms in anticipation of being picked up. Babies with autism seem indifferent and unaware when being picked up.

The lack of typical back-and-forth social interaction is one of the most telling signs of autism in babies. While all children develop at different paces, consistent aloofness or lack of interest in others warrants an evaluation.

Signs of Autism in a 10-Month-Old Baby

Play and Interaction

Children with autism often show differences or delays in how they play and interact with toys and others. Signs to look for around 10 months include:

Lack of interest in toys – Babies with autism may not play with toys in expected ways. They may ignore toys entirely or focus intently on one part of a toy rather than using it as intended.
Lack of imitation – Typical babies begin imitating gestures and sounds. An autistic baby likely won’t mimic your actions or words. They don’t engage in reciprocal imitation games like peekaboo.

Preference for solitary play – Babies with autism seem content playing alone. They don’t seek out social interactions or games. There’s no shared interest in toys or joy of discovery with others.
Difficulty with pretend play – Around 10 months, babies start pretend play like feeding a stuffed animal. Autistic babies don’t engage in this type of symbolic play or creativity.
Unusual toy attachments – Some autistic babies develop intense interests in specific toys based on texture, color, or other features. They may carry unusual objects or parts of toys around.

Aversion to textures – Many autistic infants have sensory issues, including discomfort with certain textures. They may reject plush or fabric toys.

Carefully observe how your baby plays and interacts with toys. Note any lack of interest or engagement. Signs like lack of imitation or solitary play could indicate autism. Discuss concerns with your pediatrician. Early intervention can help autistic babies learn to play and engage.

Signs of Autism in a 10-Month-Old Baby

Repetitive Behaviors

One potential red flag for autism is the appearance of unusual repetitive behaviors or movements in your 10-month-old. Babies and toddlers with autism spectrum disorder may demonstrate repetitive motor behaviors such as:

Flapping hands, arms, or fingers: Your baby may flap or wave their hands or arms repeatedly without an apparent purpose. This motor behavior is known as stimming.
Spinning objects or self: Your baby may spin or rotate toys, objects, or their own body repetitively. Spinning is a common self-stimulatory behavior.

Rocking body: Your infant may rock their upper body back and forth while sitting or lying down. Rocking can be rhythmic and repetitive.
Staring at lights: Your baby may become fixated on lights, such as ceiling fans or lamp bulbs, and stare excessively. Visual stimulation can be mesmerizing.

While some repetitive behaviors are common in typical infant development, consult your pediatrician if the behaviors are very frequent, disruptive, or prevent your baby from paying attention to other stimuli. Repetitive behaviors may indicate sensory processing differences or a need for sensory stimulation.

Signs of Autism in a 10-Month-Old Baby

Milestone Delays

By 10 months old, most babies have reached important physical milestones like crawling and pulling themselves to stand. They are also starting to point or use gestures to communicate wants and needs. Missing these key motor and communication milestones can potentially indicate an autism spectrum disorder.

Babies who go on to be diagnosed with autism often show delays in crawling, cruising, or pulling themselves up to stand. Typically developing babies begin crawling between 6 and 10 months. An inability to crawl by 12 months may signify a motor delay. Babies with autism spectrum disorders may also lack interest in exploring their environment or “cruising” while holding onto furniture.

Pointing is another important milestone that is often delayed or absent in babies with autism. Typically developing babies will start pointing to objects they want or are interested in around 10 months old. This pointing is a foundation for shared communication. Babies with autism frequently do not point to direct attention or request items.

When milestones like crawling, pulling up, and pointing are significantly delayed or missing entirely, it can signal a need for further assessment. Bring up any concerns about physical or communication delays with your pediatrician as soon as possible. Early intervention can help babies who need extra support in reaching milestones.

Signs of Autism in a 10-Month-Old Baby

Sensory Differences

Infants with autism often have unusual reactions to sensory input. They may have heightened or low sensitivity to sound, touch, textures, lights, smells, tastes, or other sensations.

Some babies may cover their ears and cry when hearing loud noises like a vacuum cleaner or blender. The noise level that triggers discomfort may be lower than what bothers a typical baby. On the other hand, some babies seem oblivious to loud sounds around them.

Tactile sensitivities are also common in infants with autism spectrum disorders. Certain textures like tags in clothing or seams in socks can cause extreme discomfort. Some babies may resist cuddling, dislike having their head touched, or react negatively to scratchy fabrics. Others appear insensitive, under-responsive, or seem to crave deep pressure.

Picky eating and gagging or vomiting when presented with certain foods are potential signs of sensory issues related to taste and texture. Babies with autism may limit their diet to very few foods and have trouble adjusting to new flavors or lumpy foods. They may also smell objects in unusual ways.

Some infants with autism stare intensely at lights or moving objects. Bright colors, patterns, spinning toys, or flickering lights may transfix their attention. Alternatively, others avoid looking at certain stimuli and can be difficult to engage visually.

Tracking your baby’s responses to sensory experiences can help identify triggers to avoid, as well as calming strategies to implement. Consulting an occupational therapist knowledgeable about autism can provide guidance on managing sensitivities.

Diagnosis Considerations

If you have concerns that your 10-month-old baby may be showing early signs of autism, the first step is to discuss this with your pediatrician. While autism can rarely be definitively diagnosed at this young age, your pediatrician can help determine if your child’s development seems on track or if there are any red flags.

Some of the key things your pediatrician will look for include lack of eye contact, lack of response to their name being called, delays in babbling or language skills, lack of gestures like pointing or waving, and unusual or repetitive behaviors. Your pediatrician may ask you questions about your child’s social interactions, communication, play skills, and sensory responses.

Based on the evaluation, your pediatrician may recommend early intervention services even before a formal autism diagnosis. Many of the best autism therapies start as early as possible, so prompt action is key. Early intervention can involve speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and creating an enriched environment for your child.

If your pediatrician suspects autism or your child shows multiple developmental delays, they may refer you to a specialist such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or neurologist for a more comprehensive diagnostic assessment. This may involve observing your child’s behavior and interactions, interviewing family members, and using standardized autism screening tools.

While an definitive autism diagnosis is rare at 10 months old, early recognition of potential red flags is crucial for getting your child the support and services they need to reach their full potential. With early intervention and a loving, nurturing environment, outcomes for children with autism can be significantly improved.

Support and Resources

Connecting with other parents and accessing support services can make a big difference when your baby is showing potential signs of autism. Take advantage of local resources and learn about the various therapies and interventions available.

Local Support Groups

Early Intervention Playgroups: Many communities offer playgroups for babies and toddlers showing developmental delays or signs of autism. These provide a chance to connect with other parents while your child receives support in a natural environment.

Parent Training Programs: Local organizations may hold workshops or multi-week courses to help parents understand their child’s needs and learn techniques to encourage development.
Online Parent Forums: Connect with parents going through similar experiences through autism organization websites, Facebook groups, or apps. Share advice and feel less alone.

Educational and Therapy Options

Early Intervention Services: Every state has government programs that provide therapists to work with babies showing developmental delays. Services may include speech, occupational, physical, or behavioral therapy.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): This highly structured therapy uses positive reinforcement and rewards to teach communication, social, motor, and cognitive skills. It is one of the most researched autism interventions.
Speech and Language Therapy: A speech-language pathologist can work on communication skills like making eye contact, understanding gestures, turn taking, following directions, and vocabulary development.
Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists address sensory issues, motor skills, feeding difficulties, and self-help abilities like dressing and brushing teeth.

Physical Therapy: Improvements in coordination, balance, strength, and motor planning can be achieved through supported physical activity.
Music Therapy: Rhythm, melody, and song are used to develop language, behavior regulation, and social engagement.

Creating a Nurturing Environment

Creating a nurturing home environment tailored to your child’s needs can provide comfort, reduce sensory overload, and support development. Focus on understanding and accommodating your baby’s interests, motivations, and challenges.

Follow Your Child’s Interests

Pay attention to the specific toys, activities, sounds, or textures that capture your baby’s attention. Incorporate their motivations into playtime, learning activities, and daily routines. For example, if your baby loves playing with blocks, use blocks along with words and gestures to help build communication skills.

Use Visual Aids and Structure

Visual schedules, picture cards, colors, and labels can help provide structure and clarity. Post a consistent daily routine with pictures representing different activities. Show a card with a picture of a bottle when it’s time to drink. Reduce clutter and distracting decor.

Provide Positive Reinforcement

Praise and encourage behaviors you want to see more of. Clap when your baby makes eye contact or babbles. Avoid punishing unwanted behaviors; redirect to positive alternatives instead. Use your child’s special interests as natural rewards.

Establish Soothing Rituals

Consistent naptime, bedtime, mealtime, and playtime routines can be calming. Activities like singing the same song, taking a bath, or reading a favorite book before bed signal rest time. Prepare your baby for transitions ahead of time.

Allow Time for Sensory Play

Set aside time for sensory exploration daily. Provide bins with water, sand, rice, or shaving cream. Have toys with different textures. Supervise closely and watch for overstimulation or distress signals.

The key is to create an environment where your baby feels secure. Observe behaviors to understand sensitivities, motivations, and comfort levels. With preparation and compassion, you can support your child’s unique needs.