Autistic Pride Day is June 18

This is a day to celebrate the gifts people with autism give to the world. It's also a good time to take a look at some common signs of autism.

What is autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder of the brain. People with ASD often find it harder to interact with other people. They may act differently than others or have unusual interests.

Autism in babies

At birth, a child with ASD often seems like other children. Symptoms may appear as early as the first year. But it may not be until the child is 2 or 3 that parents realize something is not quite right.

A baby with ASD may show a variety of symptoms, such as going stiff or limp instead of cuddling with you. Babies with ASD may not show that they are happy, sad, angry, or surprised by the time they're 9 months old.

But remember, babies develop at different speeds. It's possible your baby is just growing up at his or her own pace. If you're worried, call your doctor. Seeking help early for signs of autism can help make your child's future better and brighter.

And don’t forget to take care of you! Taking care of an autistic child can be difficult.