The Early Signs of Autism

Tessie was diagnosed with autism when she was eighteen months old, and today I talk about the five top early signs that we saw that let us know that we needed to have her evaluated at a young age so that she could start getting the extra supports that she needed to live her best life. From a lack of eye contact to communication difficulties I tackle the biggest signs that we saw with both of our girls, bringing up our own experience especially for parents who might be asking if what they're seeing in their own toddlers is normal toddler behavior.

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Welcome to Someday I'll Sleep, formerly Coffee and Cupcakes! We post family vlogs daily, about our lives and because we have two daughters on the spectrum we post quite a bit about autism! You'll get glimpses of what's going on at the moment in our lives, usually in a little town in Michigan, or in the city that Paul works in and where we have about a million therapy sessions each week.

Paul and Cammie (the dad and mom at Coffee and Cupcakes) have 5 children. Sadie is 10, Maggie is 8, Patrick is 5, James is 3, and Tessie is now 2!

➡️ Family Instagram: @SomedaySleep
➡️ Cammie's Instagram: @CammieDiane
➡️ Twitter: @CammieDiane

DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

[pennykeller]

My son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at two in a half years old. He had speech therapy and occupational therapy and now he is 18 years old and a graduate from high school. He has a job, he was in the military and he is talking about college. I'm so proud of him.

[Themystergamerr]

Mums like you truly make the world a better place

[dirtysanchez]

My parents, mostly my mother punished me my entire life. I'm 56. She has only made me feel pain for being on the autistic spectrum. I'm not saying this as self pity. I just want people to know that we are very smart, we learn differently. Punishment from the mother is the most horrible thing. It makes it harder to take help when you feel worthless. I recently learned it's never too late because more and more people are learning about the autistic spectrum. I also learned my mother is a covert narcissist by a doctor. It helped me to understand it wasn't my fault. You are a wonderful mother. Wonderful! And your children are going to be happy, adjusted and will have good lives ahead as well. Thanks to your love, care, unselfishness and time spent with them. Much love to you all.

[carolinehollisallrightsres]

My daughters coming up 21 no speech no balance no motor skills no eye contact totally floppy no school 247 care no diagnosis shes so content I am blessed to have her shes my life 😇💚

[missivonne]

My daughter loved to stack and line toys up; she also didn't have imaginative play for years and years. She's 32 now, and a college graduate so there's hope.

[greeneyes]

Your children are in great hands. You seem really on top of their well being. Wishing all the best for your family.

[Yooncelebtarot]

I am a speech therapist and I work with kids on the spectrum. You are a dream mom. I wish all moms were like you. Tessie and Maggie are so lucky to have you.

[liencao]

I have read a short story written by a mom like you. She was happy with her autistic child as her other smart daughter and son left their nest and never came back, this child stopped developing after 5 years of age and always looked up at her with unconditional love. Be strong for both of you

[karenmerritt]

My first child is on the spectrum, he is 27 now. He exhibited most of the same behaviors as your daughter. Give her plenty of love and support. Life is harder for them, they need your devotion

[phylliskrafft]

My precious son is now 25 years old. We have been through so many After 5 consults over the years we knew that we could help him . I appreciate what you have been through. Our son is such a blessing to us. I see that y it sweet girl Isa blessing to you too Tessie can have a wonderful life . You are the right mom!!

[carriegeorge]

I wasn't diagnosed until age 28, but I can remember that I used to line up all the shampoo and lotion bottles in my grandma's bathroom and imagine they were a family and I was arranging them oldest to youngest. I also hated to be touched and didn't give much eye contact vas a kid. I still don't like touching and eye contact, but I force myself to do it, so I can be "normal.". The good news is that I have done well for myself and love my career as a scientist.

[evabellconklin]

Thank you for sharing these signs it has really helped me since realizing my son is on the spectrum also. He is turned three this year, and we have been dealing with most of these same signs since he was born too. I am very grateful to have come across your video. It’s very encouraging to know that I’m not the only one with a child like this, and it’s also very encouraging to me to know that they can improve, so thank you.

[oakstrong]

Thank you for sharing. I work in a kindergarten in a country where children may never get a diagnosis even it becomes obvious that they are different. Rather, they are ignored, because there simply isn't enough awareness of the condition. I am not trained to deal with such children nor there is a special needs teacher to advice me, but I hope that I can recognise each child's strengths and inner struggles better to encourage and support them.

[sheilatobytom]

the children who don't make eye contact are actually looking at you, they're not avoiding looking at you when they turn away, they are using peripheral vision to see you, which is a very common feature of asd

[melindarichie]

For a long time I didn't even know I had autism but that is just a word just let them grow and learn. They know what's around them because I was very aware what was around me. I hate eye contact. But I diagnosed my great nephew. Just encourage them to learn

[joangrennan]

I have an autistic niece and the first sign of autism was total lack of eye contact . She was just detached . The spinning and flapping are classic signs . Now 23 years old she is very content and academically quite advanced, She never ever volunteers speech but has plenty of language, She will answer if pressed but has no inclination to give more than standard answers which she has been taught to memorise over the years . She loves the computer and specific Disney cartoons which she can find by herself even though they are quite old and obscure . She loves to bake and is able to wash dress etc but will always need supervision . Your girls are beautiful and you are lovely yourself . You are doing a wonderful job because you are so intelligent and engaged . With you, your girls are blessed

[rls]

It takes Time and Energy to Share Your Experiences with People that have concerns regarding autism. You're Extraordinary, You're Kind and Caring, Please know how Grateful, filled with Appreciation we are! Your Family is Beautiful!

[bigfanoflizzybusy]

I’m an Early Childhood educator in special needs, graduated with my degree and been in this field for over 20 years. Yes, everything she said are top signs of autism. I had a little boy one year in my class that had autism and was only 3. He could read anything you put in front of him, he could recite the alphabet backwards and tell time! Blows my mind how smart these kids can be.

[sarag]

I work in an industry with a lot of people that are too old to have received an autism diagnosis as children. They are incredibly frustrating and inflexible in their thinking.
On the flip side, I work with a younger guy who is self aware and will tell you he is on the spectrum. While he has bad days, he is amenable to instructions and thinking outside his rigid mindset.
Children receiving a diagnosis while young is definitely a blessing.

[RaymondOreFineArt]

Tessie looks adorable. I love the quote: Autism is not a processing error, but a different operating system. Not sure where it comes from