What is an early warning sign of infantile autism?

Sudden apathy and lack of engagement can be an early warning sign of infantile autism, which is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication. In infants and young children, this might manifest as a noticeable disinterest in their surroundings or failure to respond to social stimuli, such as not making eye contact or not engaging in play. These behaviors can contrast with typical developmental milestones, where babies usually show excitement and curiosity about their environment, reach out to engage with others, and react positively to social interaction.

Unlike the other options, which describe more typical behavior in infants, this sign indicates a deviation from expected developmental patterns. For instance, excessive crying and clinginess often relate to normal attachment behaviors rather than autism. Strong attachment to caregivers is typical for healthy emotional development, and frequent smiling and cooing represent signs of social engagement and a healthy response to stimuli. Therefore, the lack of engagement is more indicative of the core challenges seen with autism in early development.