What is one of the first signs of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants?

One of the first signs of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants is a lack of eye contact. Eye contact is a fundamental aspect of social communication and interaction for infants. From a very early age, typically around two months, infants begin to engage in eye contact as a means of connecting with caregivers, showing interest, and developing social bonds. A lack of eye contact can indicate difficulties in social engagement or communication, which are common features in several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.

In the context of early development, improved social interaction and advanced verbal skills usually emerge as typical milestones, while consistent sleeping patterns do not serve as indicators of neurodevelopmental concerns. Therefore, the absence of eye contact is notably significant, as it can signal that an infant is not engaging with their environment in a typical manner, raising concerns for practitioners in pediatric neurology.