International Autism Awareness Day – Early Detection

International Autism Awareness Day – Early Detection

On World Autism Awareness Day, which takes place on April 2nd, it is important to highlight the prevalence of autism worldwide: In the United States, one in forty-seven children is diagnosed with autism (1:47), in Western Europe, one in seventy children (1:70), and in Israel, one in sixty-seven children (1:67) as of 2025.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects areas of social interaction, communication, and functioning. In recent years, over 1,300 genes that are linked to the autism spectrumhave been identified. Clinical research in the field of epigenetics (genetics influenced by environmental factors) provides evidence on how early environmental manipulations affect brain development in infancy. This period involves the dynamic growth of neurons that form neural networks, which regulate sensory, emotional, and cognitive functions.

When we refer to the environment, we mean factors such as an intense, stressful lifestyle often accompanied by anxiety, the use of technology, and the massive exposure of infants to screens. Babies, especially those a few months old, are unable to process the wide variety of images, colors, and sounds they are exposed to, which can lead to sensory overload. This overwhelming exposure can significantly affect the regulation system, which is a key factor in autism spectrum disorder.

Leading brain researchers in the field of infant autism (Simon Baron-Cohen, Ami Klin, Eric Courchesne, and Karen Pierce) all agree that during the period when the brain is most flexible, it is possible to influence the growth and connections of nerve cells, which can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Follow-up results of infants treated at a specialized center during their first and second years of life (6 to 24 months) showed that this group had a significant advantage in developmental milestones compared to toddlers treated in their third year (24 to 36 months).

Since the brain is a dynamic system that self-organizes, it is known that abnormalities in early structures will affect later structures that rely on them. For example, if we build a tower of blocks, the stability of the top blocks depends on those placed at the base. Therefore, early detection of infants at risk and intervention in the early stages of infancy could have a decisive impact, potentially preventing the escalation of autism symptoms in a life-changing way. In most cases, significant changes in the infant’s development can be seen after a short treatment period, and often, only proper parent guidance is necessary. It is crucial to understand that the interaction between parent and infant in the first few months, during which the infant regulates themselves physically and emotionally, has significant implications for the baby's reflective perception.

The last year and a half has been challenging for all of us in Israel, and especially for the thousands of families with children who have special needs. The daily challenges they face are often overwhelming, and certainly have at times affected the parents' mental well-being. However, it is important to remember that young infants have no tools to understand and cope with extreme changes in our moods. Long-term anxiety undoubtedly affects our babies. In this situation, parents' attention is not always naturally directed to the changes occurring in their children, and sometimes they interpret these changes differently. It is crucial for parents of young infants to know what signs to look out for.

What are the early signs that may indicate a suspicion of autism during the first year of life?

• Excessive passivity – Lack of crying, lack of interest in surroundings, unusually calm baby

• Lack of eye contact – Despite tracking objects with the eyes

• Lack of response to sound or the presence of a parent – No reaction to name being called, turning the head, smiling, or babbling

• Excessive activity – Constant crying without a medical reason, physical restlessness, repetitive movements

• Lack of appetite or resistance to eating – Difficulty with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, difficulty transitioning to solid foods

• Avoidance of parental touch – Sensory sensitivity, arching the body backwards, or stiffening the body

• Delayed motor development – Hypotonia, late crawling, asymmetrical crawling, late walking

• Rapid head circumference growth – Compared to head size at birth

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What should be done if there is suspicion of a developmental disorder related to autism?

It is important to note that each of the symptoms listed above can also be indicative of other developmental issues that are not related to autism. Medical evaluations (neurological, metabolic) should be conducted first. If at least two significant symptoms persist over time, and medical issues have been ruled out, it is recommended to consult with a pediatrician specializing in developmental disorders, even if this requires a private visit. Delaying for months can sometimes be crucial for the baby’s ongoing development.

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