Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that causes impairment in social interaction, and language and communication skills. It typically manifests in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years. There have been cases where the first signs were seen in children as young as 6 to 18 months.

2. Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that causes impairment in
social interaction, and language and communication skills.
It typically manifests in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years.
There have been cases where the first signs were seen in children as
young as 6 to 18 months.
What is Autism?

3. Autism impacts the social skills, communication skills, and behaviour of the child.
It delays the achievement of milestones, with many children requiring intervention
for communication, motor skills, cognitive skills and even behaviour management.
What happens when a child has Autism?

4. ● Delayed/not meeting developmental milestones
● Little to no eye contact
● Not responding to their name
● Engaging in repetitive movements like rocking, arm flapping, etc.
● Lining up toys and focusing on parts of the toy rather than the whole
● Blank/expressionless
The above are considered red flags and require immediate attention,
screening, and early intervention therapy.
Earliest symptoms of Autism in infants and
young toddlers

5. At 6 months: Sitting up (with support), crawling, laughing and gurgling
Some children can crawl as late 8-9 months (and this is normal)
At 9 months: Sitting up without support, standing up without support, responding
with soundsand facial expressions, cruising along furniture (attempting to walk).
The milestone of standing up without support can be achieved even as late
as 10-11 months
At 12 months: Babbling, responding to name; making gestures like waving,
pointing, and reaching for an object/person; walking few steps
Age-wise milestones that a child must attain

6. At 16 months: Speech skills (using words, speaking 2-3 syllable words, improved
balance and coordination in movements
At 24 months: Advanced speech skills (constructing short sentences/phrases),
climbing 4-5 steps without support
RED FLAG: Some children may suddenly regress or lose communication skills between 12-24
months after developing them. This is a big red flag and must be addressed immediately.
Excessive screen time has also been known to cause speech delay.

7. ● Sensory processing difficulties
● Obsessed’ by a particular part of object
● Obsessive interests
● Getting upset with minor changes to routine
● Playing with toys the same way every time
● Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed
● Displaying emotions in an exaggerated manner
● Lack of fear or more fear than expected
● Unaware of hazards and dangers
● Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior
Behavioral challenges for children with
autism

8. ● No shared interests with peers by 15 months of age
● No facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
● Using few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, not waving goodbye)
● Avoiding or not maintaining eye contact
● Not responding to name by 9 months of age
● Not interested in pretend play, even by 4 years of age
● Not pointing to show something interesting by 18 months of age
● Not noticing when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
● Preferring solitary and repetitive play
● Not able to grasp the concept of turn-taking
● Not initiating interaction with peers
Behavioral challenges for children with
autism

9. ● Unusual mood or emotional reactions
● Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
● Delayed language and movement skills
● Delayed cognitive or learning skills
● Gastrointestinal issues (for example, constipation)
● Unusual eating and sleeping habits
Other symptoms parents and caregivers
need to watch out for

10. Early intervention (EI) enables children with autism to develop skills that
will significantly elevate their quality of life.
It is a play-based therapy involving a combination of:
- Intervention
- Therapy
- Practice
EI can greatly benefit children younger than the age of 7 years, as their short
attention spans may not be conducive to learning-based interventions.
Early intervention and its benefits

11. Plexus offers the best autism treatment plans for your child.
Our holistic, and timely treatment plans include:
● Sensory integration therapy
● Behaviour retraining therapy
● Cognitive behaviour therapy
● Social skills training
● Improved awareness
● Speech therapy
● Reduction in hyperactivity habits
At Plexus, With a combination of therapies and treatments under the guidance
of India’s foremost neurologist and Autism specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq we offer
treatment that suits your child’s needs and lifestyle.
Autism treatment at Plexus

12. It’s a wonderful life.
Even for a child with Autism.