Early Signs of Autism: What to Watch For

Early Signs of Autism: What to Watch For

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Every child develops at their own pace, but when developmental milestones are significantly delayed or different, parents may start to wonder whether their child is progressing typically. Recognizing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help families seek support and early intervention, which is crucial for improving long-term outcomes.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ASD can often be detected as early as 18 months, and in some cases, signs may appear even earlier. Research has shown that early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve language development, social engagement, and independence in children with autism.

This guide will help parents and caregivers understand the key early indicators of autism, why early detection is important, and what steps to take if concerns arise.

Common Early Signs of Autism

While autism presents differently in every child, there are some common early signs that may indicate the need for further evaluation.

1. Limited Eye Contact and Social Engagement

• Babies typically make eye contact with caregivers by 2 months of age and begin to smile responsively around 6 weeks.
• Children with autism may avoid eye contact, not respond to their name, or seem disinterested in people around them.
• A study in JAMA Pediatrics found that infants later diagnosed with autism showed decreased eye contact as early as 6 months old.

2. Delayed or Atypical Speech and Communication

• Many children with autism experience delays in speech development or exhibit unusual communication patterns.
• Some children may not babble or gesture (point, wave) by 12 months, while others may develop speech but later lose language skills (known as regression).
• According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), children with ASD often have difficulty initiating conversations, responding to questions, or using words functionally.

3. Repetitive Behaviors and Rigid Interests

• Many children with autism engage in repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or lining up objects.
• They may develop highly focused, intense interests in specific topics, objects, or routines, becoming upset if those routines change.
• Research from Autism Speaks suggests that restricted interests and repetitive behaviors often emerge in early childhood and are strong diagnostic indicators of autism.

4. Difficulty with Social Interaction

• A child with autism may not imitate others’ expressions or gestures, which are key social learning behaviors.
• Some may prefer playing alone, struggle with pretend play, or have difficulty understanding emotions and responding to social cues.
• The CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early program highlights that children with autism may not show interest in peers or engage in back-and-forth social games like peek-a-boo.

5. Sensory Sensitivities and Unusual Responses

• Many children with autism overreact or underreact to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
• Some may seek out sensory experiences, like rubbing objects against their skin, spinning in circles, or staring at lights.
• A study published in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy found that sensory processing differences are present in over 90% of children with autism (source).

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Identifying autism early is essential because early intervention leads to better outcomes. Studies have shown that children who receive therapy before age 3 show significant improvements in communication, social skills, and independence.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

• Early intervention programs using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are one of the most effective treatments for autism.
• Children who start ABA therapy before the age of 4 show greater progress in social and language skills than those who start later.

What to Do If You Notice Signs of Autism

If you notice potential signs of autism in your child, trust your instincts and take the following steps:

1. Track Developmental Milestones
   • Use tools like the CDC’s Milestone Tracker App to monitor your child’s progress.
2. Speak with Your Pediatrician
   • Share your concerns and request a developmental screening. Early screening tools such as the M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) can help identify autism risk factors.
3. Seek a Comprehensive Evaluation
   • If your child shows multiple signs of autism, ask for a referral to a specialist such as a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or speech-language pathologist.
4. Start Early Intervention Services
   • Many states offer Early Intervention (EI) programs that provide therapies, including ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, often at no cost to families.