Research has begun to reveal hints of autism practically from birth (one recent study connected the rare developmental disorder to flawed cells in the mother's placenta). Watch for these first-year warning signs, from Laurie LeComer, M.Ed., author of A Parent's Guide to Developmental Delays, and discuss your observations with your doctor.

Birth to 2 months

Your baby doesn't wake himself up from sleeping to feed.
He doesn't look around at people or objects in the environment.
He gazes at your mouth or chin rather than at your eyes.
He's unusually quiet or cries excessively for no apparent reason.

3 to 5 months

Your baby avoids eye contact.
He doesn't imitate sounds (by 5 months).

6 months

Your baby isn't laughing.

9 to 12 months

Your baby doesn't show clear signs of an attachment to a favored adult or caregiver.
He doesn't respond to his name when called.
He's not babbling.

CLOSE PRINT

First-Year Autism Clues By Stephanie Wood, Babytalk Research has begun to reveal hints of autism practically from birth (one recent study connected the rare developmental disorder to flawed cells in the mother's placenta). Watch for these first-year warning signs, from Laurie LeComer, M.Ed., author of A Parent's Guide to Developmental Delays, and discuss your observations with your doctor. Birth to 2 months Your baby doesn't wake himself up from sleeping to feed. He doesn't look around at people or objects in the environment. He gazes at your mouth or chin rather than at your eyes. He's unusually quiet or cries excessively for no apparent reason. 3 to 5 months Your baby avoids eye contact. He doesn't imitate sounds (by 5 months). 6 months Your baby isn't laughing. 9 to 12 months Your baby doesn't show clear signs of an attachment to a favored adult or caregiver. He doesn't respond to his name when called. He's not babbling.