“Doctor, all of the family says he’ll start speaking when he is ready. Should we just wait?”
Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, MD, DCH (Gold Medallist), Senior Consultant Paediatrician from Noida hears this query almost every day from parents.
For many families, autism is usually diagnosed late because of confusion in spotting the signs early—a child who does not return a name called or make eye contact, who is late to speak. Grandparents might comfort anxious parents by saying, “We were late talkers too,” but paediatricians warn that waiting to evaluate a potential problem may mean postponing critical intervention.
Now, genetic testing is emerging as one of the latest diagnostic tools in gaining real understanding of autism alongside behavioural assessments and, for many families, offering invaluable insight into what causes the condition.
The Genetics Puzzle
According to Dr. Ranjan, “Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has a large genetic component.”
Instead of one “autism gene”, geneticists have discovered hundreds of changes that effect the chances of developing autism. Genetic testing may identify an underlying cause in some children—especially those with developmental delays and/or intellectual disability, epilepsy (paroxysmal movement disorders), or certain physical findings.
Note, these tests cannot be used alone to diagnose autism. Instead, they can:
-identify autism-associated genetic syndromes,
-guide medical management,
-predict the risk of multiple health conditions, and
-inform families about the risk of recurrence and future pregnancy.
Testing “has become a vital part of assessing the selected children with autism as our genetics knowledge progresses,” says Dr. Ranjan.
When Not Reacting to a Name Is NOT Autism
Parents often noticed one of the first red flags is since a child fail to respond your name or look away in eye contact. “But these signs by themselves does not guarantee autism,” explains Dr Ranjan.
Reasons that a child may not respond are:
-hearing impairment,
-anxiety or extreme shyness,
-temporary mood or distraction,
-or individual variation in development.
But, if these behaviours are persistent or co-occur with other delays in communication and social interaction they merit urgent medical evaluation and not reassurance alone.
Why ‘Let’s Wait’ Can Be Risky
One of the biggest myths about autism is that if a child profiles late talker, they will not be speaking age-appropriate language because another family member with this profile did.
It argues, while accepting that some children are ‘late talkers’ by nature – developmental milestones are not random, say the expert. They assist in the identification of children who may require early intervention.
Dr Ranjan says parents normally shouldn’t wait for months expecting things to get better on their own. Routine developmental checks are crucial, and if a child is found to have concerns, he should be assessed.
There is relatively large consensus on the benefits of early intervention over NO treatment to enhance language, communication, social interaction and adaptive skills.
Three early warning signs you must know about :
Dr. Ranjan suggests that parents keep an eye on three easy developmental indicators by approximately the time baby turns 1 year old:
-Does the child respond reliably when their name is called?
-The child fixates on caregivers and engages.
-Is the child making its first use of meaningful words, for example mama or papa at an appropriate age?
These observations, on their own, do not mean a child has autism and are used to indicate when further assessment might be necessary.
Is This the Real Reason Autism’s on the Rise?
As smartphones and tablets are becoming a normal part of family life, many mothers and fathers have questioned whether screens might be to blame for the rise in autism.
Dr Ranjan said: “The reality is far more nuanced. Genetics continues to be one of the strongest determinants of autism other than screen time.”
High screen time in infancy and toddler years may lead to language delay, problems with attention, sleeping problems and fewer opportunities for social interaction. Nevertheless, screen time does not cause autism according to the scientific evidence collected up to now.
Increased awareness, changing definitions of autism, improved screening skills and earlier diagnosis by professionals are also the reason why one could see the rise in cases.
The Earlier, the Better
Not only do parents primarily spend more time with their son/daughter than any other person. If parents observe that their child is not responsive to his or her name being called, has minimal eye contact, or isn’t developing communication skills normally, they should consult a professional rather than waiting for things to get better of its own accord.
