Many children on the autism spectrum may show developmental differences during their infant and toddler years, especially in social and language skills. This has led many parents and caregivers to ask what are the early signs of autism in toddlers.
There may be some delays in spoken language or differences in how they interact with peers. However, children on the autism spectrum usually sit, crawl, and walk on time. So, the subtler differences in the development of gestures (pointing), pretend play and social language often go unnoticed by families and doctors.
Understanding the early signs of autism in toddlers is very important for parents. Autism affects how kids communicate and behave. Identifying the early signs of autism in toddlers helps children get support sooner.
Parents often wonder how to tell the early signs of autism in toddlers if their kids actually have autism. Experts say signs can appear before age 1 or 2. This guide explains what to watch for and why early action matters.
Keep reading to know what the early signs of autism in toddlers are and what you as a parent or caregiver should do after detecting them.
About Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers
If children are autistic, early signs of autism usually appear in the first 1-2 years of life.
Early signs of autism are listed in this article. Some children have many early signs, whereas others have only a few. The number of signs can vary according to children’s ages and stages of development.
Sometimes early signs of autism change over time or become clearer as children get older.
Keep reading to know what the early signs of autism in toddlers are and what you as a parent or caregiver should do after detecting them.
The Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers
Below are the early signs of autism in toddlers:
1. Delay in or lack of joint attention
One of the most important developmental differences between children on the autism spectrum and children without ASD is a delay in or lack of joint attention. Delays in joint attention skills are found in most children with ASD.
What is joint attention?
Joint attention is looking back and forth between an object or event and another person and connecting with that person. It is a building block for later social and communication skills. Engaging in many back-and-forth social interactions, such as exchanging a lot of emotional expressions, sounds, and other gestures, is called reciprocal social interaction.
Stages of joint attention in babies & toddlers
There are several stages of joint attention. Children on the autism spectrum usually show delayed or absent social communication skills at every stage.
For example, below are the ages when babies and toddlers typically use and understand gestures at the following times, compared with young children on the autism spectrum.
Using and understanding gestures such as pointing
By 12 months of age:
- Most children can immediately look in the direction of an object a parent is pointing at. They will then look back at the parent and mimic the parent’s expression, usually a smile.
- Children on the autism spectrum may appear to ignore their parents. This can cause parents to worry about their child’s hearing.
By 15 months of age:
- Most children can point to out-of-reach objects that they want.
- A child on the autism spectrum may instead take a parent’s hand and lead the parent to the object without making much if any, eye contact. Sometimes the child may even place the parent’s hand on the object itself.
By 18 months of age:
- Most children point at objects they find interesting. Children will look back and forth between an object and a parent to make sure the parent is tuned in to what they are looking at.
- Children on the autism disorder spectrum will often point to an object because they want a parent to get it for them, not because they want the parent to enjoy looking at the object with them.
2. Language delays and differences with ASD
Almost all children on the autism disorder spectrum show delays in nonverbal communication and spoken language. For example, you may notice differences such as:
a. The use of labels
A child on the autism spectrum may have words they use to label things, for example, but not to ask for things. They may use words for objects before using words for people or family members.
b. Echoing and repeating
Most young children go through a phase when they repeat what they hear. Children on the autism disorder spectrum may repeat what they hear for a longer period. They also may repeat dialogue from movies or conversations with the tone of voice they heard them in. This is called parroting or echoing.
Some children later diagnosed on the autism spectrum will seem to have met language milestones during the toddler years. However, their use of language may be unusual. For example, they may talk more like an adult than a toddler.
3. Regression in developmental milestones and skills
About 25% of children later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may develop some language that they suddenly or gradually stop using.
Typically, this may happen between the ages of 15 and 24 months.
They might also become more socially withdrawn. This change is called a regression in skills.
4. Issues in Social and communication skills
In the first year of life, children’s social interaction and communication development is an important area to watch for early signs of autism in toddlers. Typical social and communication development in children includes things like responding to their names, making eye contact, and using gestures.
Social interaction and communication
If young children are autistic, they might:
- not consistently use eye contact to get your attention – for example, they might not always look at you and then at a snack to show you they want it, or not look back towards you when they see something that excites them
- rarely point to or hold up objects to show you things – for example, they might not point to a dog and look back at you to make sure you’ve seen it too, or they might drop a toy in your lap and walk away instead of holding it up and looking at you
- not consistently respond to their name being called
- not consistently use gestures on their own – for example, they might not wave bye-bye or clap without being asked to, or they might not nod for yes or shake their head for no
- not consistently smile back at you or other familiar people when you smile at them
- rarely copy other people’s actions, like combing their hair when you comb yours
- not sound like they’re having a conversation with you when they babble, or they might not babble at all
- have difficulty understanding simple, one-step instructions by 1-2 years old – for example, ‘Give me the block’ or ‘Show me the dog’.
Relationships and play
If young children are autistic, they might:
- rarely show interest in other children – for example, they might not look towards them or try to get their attention
- rarely start games like peekaboo or ‘Round the garden’
- rarely do pretend play – for example, they might not pretend to feed a teddy bear.
5. Behavioural Challenges
Repetitive behaviour and intense or special interests
If young children are autistic, they might:
- have intense or special interests in certain objects or toys – for example, they might play mostly with cars or dolls
- behave in repetitive ways – for example, they might spin the wheels of a toy car or pram repeatedly, or take the clothes on and off a doll repeatedly
- interact with toys and objects in unexpected ways – for example, they might enjoy lining up objects or putting toys into piles
- might show intense interest in specific activities and become upset if they cannot engage in these activities—for example, repeatedly watching the same TV show.
Routines
Autistic young children might prefer routines and feel distressed by changes. For example, they might need to follow the same route to child care or a grandparent’s house all the time.
Repetitive movements
If young children are autistic, they might repeat body movements or move their bodies in unexpected ways. For example, they might:
- arch their backs
- flap their hands
- hold their arms stiffly
- walk on the tips of their toes.
Sensory sensitivities
If young children are autistic, they might:
- may also be highly sensitive to their environment, reacting more strongly to loud noises or bright lights than other children
- like their environment to stay the same – for example, they might eat only foods with certain textures or colours, or they might want to wear the same clothes each day
- enjoy seeking out sensations – for example, they might rub objects on their lips or faces, or smell objects.
Why is it Important to Spot these Signs?
Spotting the early signs of autism in toddlers is very important for their development. Early detection helps parents and doctors take quick action. Toddlers with autism often need extra support to learn new skills. Identifying autism early gives them a better chance to succeed.
When parents notice signs early, they can talk to doctors or specialists. These experts can do tests to confirm if a child has autism. If autism is found early, treatments can start sooner. Early therapy helps children improve their communication and social skills. It also helps reduce behavior problems that may develop later.
Spotting these signs early also helps parents feel more prepared. They can learn about autism and how to support their child. Knowing what to expect reduces stress and helps families plan for the future.
Experts say the first few years of life are critical for brain development. During this time, therapy can make the biggest difference. By starting early, children with autism can learn better ways to connect with others and explore the world around them.
In summary, spotting these signs early is very important. It helps children get the right care at the right time. Parents should always act quickly if they notice any signs of autism. Early action can change a child’s life for the better.
ASD Screening to Detect the Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers
Screening toddlers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a key step in early detection. Parents and doctors need to work together during this process. Screening helps identify if a child may have autism before symptoms become more obvious. Early screening often starts when a toddler is 18 to 24 months old.
Doctors use specific tools during screening to check for early signs of autism in toddlers. One common tool is the M-CHAT-R/F, a questionnaire that parents answer. It focuses on how toddlers behave, communicate, and interact with others. Doctors analyze the answers to determine if further evaluation is necessary.
Parents should also share concerns about their child’s development. If a toddler avoids eye contact, doesn’t point to objects, or doesn’t respond to their name, mention this to your doctor. These could be early signs of autism.
Regular checkups are also important for screening. Pediatricians look for speech delays, play, and social skills during routine visits. If they notice any delays, they may suggest further evaluation.
Screening does not provide a diagnosis but shows if a toddler may need more testing. If the screening suggests autism, parents should follow up with a specialist. Early screening ensures toddlers can get the right support as soon as possible.
The AAP recommends screening all children for autism spectrum disorder during their 18- and 24-month well-child checkups, alongside routine developmental surveillance. Research shows that starting an intervention program as soon as possible can improve outcomes for many children on the autism spectrum.
Remember
If you have concerns about how your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, or moves, talk with your pediatrician. Remember, you know your child best and your concerns are important.
Together, you and your pediatrician will find the best way to help your child. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a big difference in your child’s development.