Autistic babies do smile although the smiling behavior of an autistic baby can differ from the smiling behavior of other typically developing babies without autism.
Autistic babies can and do smile but may exhibit less social smiles, which are smiles in response to social stimuli and they may also smile more often at objects or during periods of self stimulation.
In addition, an autistic baby's smiles may even be shorter in duration and less frequent than typical smiles.
Sensory sensitivities in autistic babies can also impact their smiling.
For example, a loud or a visually stimulating game such as peek a boo, may be overwhelming for a baby that is autistic and make it difficult for the baby to smile.
Even challenges with the autistic baby's communication and social interaction can also affect smiling patterns.
And social smiles may be delayed or less frequent and they may even be directed more at objects than people.
It's also important to note that every person and baby or toddler, child etc with autism is unique and the way a baby with autism smiles can also vary significantly .
Signs of autism in babies include unusual or repetitive behaviors, delayed or lack of babbling, lack of interest in social interaction and limited eye contact.
Babies that are more focused on objects than they are on people and who may not respond to their name or familiar voices can also be early signs that your baby is autistic.