New Delhi: As parents, we often keep an eye out for first words, first steps, and first smiles. But according to recent findings, it might also be time to start paying closer attention to early temperament and behaviour, especially before your child turns one. Researchers from the University of Missouri’s Thompson Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment have found that certain behavioural cues at just nine months old may point to the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While most autism diagnoses currently happen between ages three and five, this new study suggests that key indicators may surface much earlier.
What the Research Reveals
Led by Erin Andres and Stephen Sheinkopf, the study looked at how babies behave around nine months of age. Parents were asked to complete questionnaires focused on how their infants reacted to new surroundings, how often they cried, and how easily they calmed down. These behaviours — especially when they were more intense or persistent — helped researchers understand which children might later show developmental differences.
Three months later, when the children turned one, parents filled out a screening tool for autism. This follow-up survey covered areas like communication skills, responses to sensory input (such as loud noises), and repetitive behaviours. The results? A clear link emerged between early behavioural patterns and later signs commonly associated with autism, suggesting that fussiness and difficulty adjusting could be more than just passing phases.
Why This Matters
While this study doesn’t confirm a formal diagnosis at such a young age, it opens the door to earlier intervention — something experts agree is key when it comes to supporting children on the autism spectrum. The earlier support systems are put in place, the better the outcomes in areas like communication, learning, and social development. Researchers emphasised the value of parent observations in spotting these early behaviours. After all, no one knows a baby better than their caregiver.
What Is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is not an illness, but a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world. Some people show signs in infancy, while for others, traits might become clearer later in life. There’s no single known cause, and while it can run in families, many cases appear without any genetic link. Autism presents differently in every individual, which is why it’s referred to as a spectrum.
Common Traits of Autism
Here are some traits that may appear in children with autism:
- Sensory differences: A heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells
- Social communication challenges: Difficulty interpreting facial expressions, maintaining eye contact, or understanding social cues
- Repetitive behaviours: Rocking, hand-flapping, or a strong attachment to routines
- Emotional regulation: Struggling to manage emotions, sometimes resulting in meltdowns or withdrawal
