Parents often observe their baby’s developmental milestones, and movements like army crawling can raise questions. This article clarifies common concerns about army crawling and its connection to early autism indicators. It will discuss typical infant motor development and outline actual early signs of autism.
Understanding Typical Motor Development
Army crawling, also known as commando or belly crawling, describes a baby’s movement where they pull themselves forward with their arms while their belly remains on the ground. This movement is a common developmental stage for many infants, emerging around 5 to 8 months. It helps babies build upper body strength in their arms, shoulders, and core muscles, serving as a precursor to more advanced forms of movement.
Not all babies army crawl; some may even skip crawling entirely, moving directly to pulling up, standing, and walking. While army crawling is normal, some babies might display asymmetrical movement, favoring one side, which pediatricians may monitor. Most babies who army crawl eventually transition to a hands-and-knees crawl, which appears between 8 and 10 months.
Early Indicators of Autism
Army crawling is not an early sign of autism. Instead, early indicators of autism primarily involve differences in social communication, interaction, and repetitive behaviors. These signs become noticeable in the first one to two years of life. It is important to look for a cluster of these behaviors rather than focusing on a single motor milestone.
Specific signs include limited or no eye contact, rarely smiling in social situations, or not responding consistently to their name by 6 to 9 months. Other indicators may involve limited babbling or speech, a lack of back-and-forth gestures like pointing or waving, or showing little interest in interactive games such as peek-a-boo by 9 to 12 months. Repetitive behaviors, such as spinning wheels on a toy or lining up objects, along with unusual reactions to sensory experiences like sounds or textures, can also be observed.
When to Consult a Professional
Parents should consult their pediatrician if they have concerns about their child’s overall developmental progress, rather than focusing on an isolated milestone like army crawling. Pediatricians conduct developmental assessments at 9, 18, and 30 months as part of routine well-child visits, and specifically screen for autism at 18 and 24 months. If a child is consistently multiple months behind in reaching several developmental milestones across different areas, such as motor skills, communication, or social interaction, a professional evaluation is warranted.
Early intervention can be beneficial for children with developmental delays or conditions like autism spectrum disorder. Pediatricians observe a child’s behaviors, assess cognitive abilities, and provide questionnaires to gather information. Seeking timely advice can lead to appropriate interventions like physical, occupational, or speech therapy, helping children reach their full potential.