What is a red flag for autism during infancy?

What is a red flag for autism during infancy?

• A. Using multiple words by 12 months
• B. Not pointing or babbling by 12 months
• C. Responding to their name by 18 months
• D. Expressing emotions through facial expressions

Answer: (B)

Not pointing or babbling by 12 months is considered a red flag for autism during infancy because these behaviors are critical early milestones in language development and social communication. Pointing is an important gesture that indicates an ability to share attention with others and to communicate needs or interests. Babbling is part of the progression towards verbal communication skills. The absence of these behaviors may suggest challenges in social interaction and communication, which are core features of autism spectrum disorder. In contrast, using multiple words by 12 months, responding to their name by 18 months, and expressing emotions through facial expressions are signs of developmental progress. However, they are not as definitive as the absence of pointing or babbling when it comes to identifying possible early signs of autism.

Not pointing or babbling by 12 months is considered a red flag for autism during infancy because these behaviors are critical early milestones in language development and social communication. Pointing is an important gesture that indicates an ability to share attention with others and to communicate needs or interests. Babbling is part of the progression towards verbal communication skills. The absence of these behaviors may suggest challenges in social interaction and communication, which are core features of autism spectrum disorder.

In contrast, using multiple words by 12 months, responding to their name by 18 months, and expressing emotions through facial expressions are signs of developmental progress. However, they are not as definitive as the absence of pointing or babbling when it comes to identifying possible early signs of autism.