Wondering About Early Signs of Autism?
As a parent, you know your child best. You notice the little things—how they respond to your voice, their facial expressions, and how they play, interact, and explore the world around them. If something feels “off” or different from what you’ve seen in other children, it’s completely natural to wonder whether it could be autism. And you’re not alone.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can sometimes be identified in children as young as 18 months—or even earlier in some cases. But because development can vary so much from child to child, early signs are often missed or misattributed to personality, limited social exposure, or simply being an only child. Early recognition is key because the earlier a child receives support, the better their long-term outcomes in communication, learning, and social relationships.
What Should You Look For?
The early signs of autism can be subtle at first, but over time, patterns emerge that fall into two broad areas: Social Communication and Repetitive or Restricted Behaviors. These can vary significantly from child to child. Here are some examples that may suggest concern for autism:
Social Communication
Does your child…
- Not respond consistently to their name by 12 months?
- Seem more interested in objects than people?
- Make reduced eye contact or rarely share smiles with you?
- Not point, wave, or show you things by around 12–15 months?
- Have delayed speech or very limited gestures to communicate?
- Use your hand to get what they want rather than asking or showing?
- Not imitate your facial expressions or sounds during play?
- Use phrases in an awkward way, as if they memorized them from a different context?
- Miss social signals from others (i.e., “trouble reading the room”).
- Seem confused by social situations in ways that are unexpected given their cognitive abilities?
- Struggle with back and forth play or conversation with peers (e.g., instead focusing mostly on their own perspective, interests, or preferred way of doing something).
Sometimes, children with autism do develop early speech or social milestones but then plateau or regress. If your child stopped using words they once had or no longer engages with you the way they used to, that’s a reason to check in with a professional.
Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors (and Sensory Differences)
Does your child…
- Repeat the same actions or words over and over (e.g., lining up toys, repeating or echoing the words of self or others)?
- Becomes extremely upset by small changes in routine?
- Has unusually intense interests, even at a very young age?
- Rocks, swings, paces, or spins their body more than expected?
- Have repetitive finger or hand mannerisms (e.g., splaying, flicking, wiggling, flapping)?
- Seem overly sensitive to sound (e.g., covering ears), light, touch, or smells?
- Not seem to notice pain, hunger, full bowel/bladder, or temperature the way other kids might?
Keep in mind that all children do some of these things some of the time. The difference with autism is that these patterns are persistent, interfere with everyday life, and don’t align with typical developmental expectations. Sometimes children with autism have exceptional skill areas, such as reading, math, and becoming an expert about factual information in an area of interest, which is confusing when a child can’t understand what seem like simple social rules (e.g., sharing, taking turns).
What Else Should Parents Know?
Autism is not a delay in just one area—it’s a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world. And every child with autism is different. Some kids with autism are affectionate and verbal, and highly socially motivated. Others may be quiet or withdrawn, with less interest in others. Some have intellectual disabilities or language delays, but many do not. That’s why it’s called a spectrum.
Some early signs of autism can overlap with other challenges like speech/language delays, ADHD, or anxiety. Inflexibility can sometimes be described as obsessive compulsive behaviors as well. Some children with autism also have a medical or genetic condition, which might be associated with other developmental challenges.
When to Seek Help
You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to act. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, trust your instincts. Talk to your pediatrician and ask for a referral for a developmental screening or full evaluation. Early intervention services may be available even before a formal diagnosis is made. If your child is over 3 years of age, ask about speech/language therapy and occupational therapy to target developmental concerns. Talk with your school about supports that could be accessed, especially if your child’s teacher is also noticing concerns.
You Are Not Alone
Having questions or worries doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with your child—it means you’re paying attention. Every child deserves to be understood for who they are, and every parent deserves support in navigating their journey. Early recognition can make a big difference, and there are many professionals and services ready to help.
If you’re wondering whether your child’s behavior is typical or may signal something more, reach out. A conversation could be the first step toward answers—and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re doing what’s best for your child. If there are any developmental concerns for your child, you need a plan.
Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about a neurodevelopmental evaluation at the Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Center: [email protected]
