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.

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