05/05/2026
Early Signs of Autism โ What to Watch, Not to Fearโ ๐๐งฉ
Autism isnโt caused by vaccines, bad parenting, or โkulang sa dasal.โ
Itโs a difference in how the brain is wired.
And the earlier we catch it, the earlier we help.
Early signs โ diagnosis. But if you see these, talk to your Pedia. Early help = better outcomes ๐
12-18 Months: โRed Flagsโ We Watch For
Social Communication โ Does babyโฆ
No big smiles or warm eye contact by 6 months?
No back-and-forth sounds โ coo, laugh, babble โ by 9 months?
No pointing to show you things by 12 months? โLook, airplane!โ
No waving โbye-byeโ or clapping by 12 months?
No single words like โmamaโ, โdedeโ by 16 months?
No response to name by 9-12 months? Parang bingi, pero hindi.
Behavior โ Does babyโฆ
Line up toys over and over instead of pretend play?
Get VERY upset with small changes โ different cup, new route to church?
Flap hands, rock, spin a lot when excited or upset?
Seem โin his own worldโ โ hard to get attention?
Unusual reactions to sounds, lights, textures? Takot sa vacuum, love loud fans.
Loss of skills โ stopped babbling or waving after learning it? Tell pedia ASAP.
What To Do If Youโre Worried โ 3 Steps:
Donโt โWait and Seeโ โ
Brain is most flexible 0-3 years. Early therapy = huge difference. โBaka mahiya langโ delays help.
Talk to Your Pedia ๐
We do M-CHAT screening at 18 & 24 months. Itโs 2 mins. Weโll check hearing + development too. Many delays arenโt autism โ could be speech delay, hearing issue.
Bottom line from your Pedia:
Trust your gut. You know your child best.
If something feels โoffโ with social connection, ask. Itโs not โarte.โ Itโs advocacy.
Early signs donโt mean early doom. They mean early doorway to help ๐