Doctors warn parents about early warning signs of autistic babies

Abu Dhabi - When babies are two months old, they often socially communicate by smiling.

Doctors in the UAE are urging parents to look out for the early signs that are common in autistic children, as early intervention is key when it comes to insuring the child leads a healthy and productive life.
Dr Rathinabalan Indran, specialist paediatrician at Universal Hospital, said that lack of social communication and emotional expression are two crucial red flags.
He explained that when babies are two months old, they often socially communicate by smiling. By the age of six to seven months, they say simple words such as, "baba" and "mama", and when babies are around nine months old, they should begin to wave 'bye-bye'. However, this is rare in autistic children, he said.
"These are very important early signs, which parents can recognise immediately."
He added that a lack of eye contact, lack of interaction and a delay in language, until the age of three to four years are also common.
"Without early intervention, many autistic children may never even do any of these, depending on their severity."
He said that by the age of one, babies should start speaking singular words, which also rarely occurs with autistic children.
Dr Hussein Matlik, consultant, paediatric neurology, said signs also include repetitive pattern of behaviour.
"There are some unique behaviour and signs, including the loss of interest in different activities.
"Autistic children behave as if they are in their own environment. They are usually very quiet and shy, show their interests in their own skills, but they do not usually share with others, or interact with others."
He said other signs include the repetition of the same word.
"Autism ranges from very mild to very severe and in between, which can be determined by a psychological assessment."
Dr Matlik noted that early intervention units are thus crucial for the development of autistic children.
"Early intervention includes a full range of activities and support, encouraging their communication skills, their verbal and non-verbal, their occupational skills, and encourage their hand skills."

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