Brittany Cartwright reveals her son's autism diagnosis: What are the early signs of autism?

Brittany Cartwright has opened up about her son’s autism diagnosis publicly for the first time. The Bravo star told People that her son Cruz, who will turn 4 in a couple of days, was diagnosed with autism in the fall.

Cartwright, 36, shares the child with her ex Jax Taylor, 45. "He was talking, he was she was saying, 'Mommy,' 'Daddy.' He was saying 'Hot Dog!' from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," she told the outlet that their child 'stopped talking almost' completely as he got closer to 2. They received the diagnosis about six months ago, in the fall. She also shared that the child is mostly nonverbal now.

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Cartwright also said she hired a therapeutic companion who goes to preschool with Cruz and helps him with his social skills. The child also does speech and occupational therapy. “I’m just trying to do everything I possibly can to help him live the happiest life ever. I feel very blessed that I'm able to give him everything that he needs, and that's why I want to help as many mothers as I can,” she said.

What is autism?

Autism also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 100 children has autism. ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person's life, although symptoms may change over time. Some children show ASD symptoms within the first 12 months of life.

This developmental condition is characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, challenges in sensory processing, repetitive behaviours, interests, or activities, and some instances of intellectual disability, all of which occur at varying levels of severity. People with this disorder are at high risk of social isolation, and academic or employment difficulties, and require psychosocial support into adulthood. Early ASD diagnosis can improve the lives of such individuals.

What are the early signs of ASD?

People with autism often have difficulty with social communication and interaction, along with restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. While there are common signs and symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it's important to remember that some individuals without ASD may also exhibit similar traits. Diagnosis should always be made by professionals based on a full evaluation.

Here are some early signs according to CDC:

Social communication and interaction skills

• Avoids eye contact
• Unresponsive to name by 9 months of age
• Does not show facial expressions such as happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
• Disinterest in simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
• Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age
• Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age
• Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
• Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months (2 years) of age
• Does not notice other children or join them in play by 36 months (3 years) of age
• Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months (4 years) of age
• Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months (5 years) of age

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Restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests

• Gets upset when the order of lined up toys or other objects is changed
• Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
• Plays with toys the same way every time
• Is focused on parts of objects (for example, wheels)
• Minor changes irk them
• Obsessive interests
• Sticks to a specific routine
• Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
• Unusual reactions to sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

Other signs

• Delayed language skills
• Delayed movement skills
• Delayed cognitive or learning skills
• Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior
• Epilepsy or seizure disorder
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Gastrointestinal issues (for example, constipation)
• Unusual mood or emotional reactions
• Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
• Lack of fear or more fear than expected