Every child grows at their own pace, and no single sign means a child is autistic. Still, knowing the common early signs can help you decide whether an evaluation might be helpful, and earlier support often makes a meaningful difference.
This guide walks through the early signs parents and clinicians often notice, when screening usually happens, and what to do if you have concerns.
Early signs in social communication
The CDC lists examples like these. Many are tied to the age when most children reach that milestone:
- Avoids or does not keep eye contact
- Does not respond to their name by 9 months of age
- Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months
- Uses few or no gestures, like waving goodbye, by 12 months
- Does not share interests with others, like showing you a toy, by 15 months
- Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months
- Does not notice other children and join them in play by 3 years
Repetitive behaviors and strong interests
- Lines up toys or objects and gets upset when the order changes
- Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
- Plays with toys the same way every time, or focuses on parts of objects, like wheels
- Gets upset by minor changes, or needs to follow certain routines
- Flaps hands, rocks, or spins in circles
- Has intense interests in specific topics
Sensory differences
Many autistic children react strongly, or very little, to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel. A child might cover their ears at everyday noises, avoid certain clothing textures, or seek out movement and pressure.
Other things parents sometimes notice
Some children also have delayed language, movement or learning skills, unusual eating or sleeping habits, or strong emotional reactions. Children with autism may not have all, or any, of the examples listed here, and some children without autism show a few of them.
When is autism screening done?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened specifically for autism during regular well-child visits at 18 months and 24 months. Screening can happen at any age if you or your doctor have a concern. According to the CDC, autism can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger, and by age 2 a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable.
What to do if you have concerns
- Write down what you notice. Note examples, when they happen and how often.
- Talk with your child's doctor. Ask about a developmental screening or an autism screening.
- Ask about an evaluation. A specialist, such as a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist, can do a full evaluation.
- Don't wait if your child is under 3. In New York, you can refer your child to the Early Intervention Program yourself. Our guide to Early Intervention in New York explains how.
How ABA can help
If your child is diagnosed, ABA therapy can help them build communication, social and daily-living skills at a pace that's right for them. Our BCBA-led team designs a plan around your child, at home or at our centers. Reach out any time to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
Early signs can include limited eye contact, not responding to their name by about 9 months, and few gestures, like waving, by about 12 months. Every child develops differently, so talk with your child's doctor if you have concerns.
According to the CDC, autism can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger, and by age 2 a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable. Many children are diagnosed later.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism-specific screening at the 18-month and 24-month well-child visits, and at any time you or your doctor have a concern.
No. Some children without autism show a few of these signs, and autistic children may not show all of them. Only a qualified professional can make a diagnosis.
Talk with your child's doctor about a screening and evaluation. If your child is under 3 and lives in New York, you can also refer them to the Early Intervention Program yourself.
You don't have to figure this out alone
If your child has been diagnosed, or you're exploring next steps, our team is glad to help your family.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Only a qualified professional can diagnose autism. If you have concerns, talk with your child's doctor.
