Early Signs of Autism: What Parents Can Look For, by Age

Many parents first sense that something is different long before anyone uses the word autism. Maybe their baby rarely looks at faces, or their toddler has stopped using words they once had. This guide describes early signs by age. It is not a diagnostic checklist — only a trained professional can assess autism — but it can help you know what to watch for and when to ask.

First, a reassurance

Children develop at very different speeds. One sign on its own rarely means autism. What professionals look for is a pattern of differences in social communication and behaviour that persists over time. If you are unsure, asking is always reasonable.

Around 6 to 12 months

• Rarely making eye contact or smiling back
• Little babbling or back-and-forth sounds
• Not responding to their name by around 12 months
• Few gestures such as reaching, waving or showing

Around 12 to 18 months

• Not pointing to show you something interesting
• Not following your gaze or your point to look at an object
• Few or no single words by 16 months
• Limited interest in simple social games like peek-a-boo

Around 18 to 24 months

• No two-word phrases by 24 months
• Little pretend play, such as feeding a doll
• Repeating words or phrases instead of using them to communicate (echolalia)
• Lining up toys or focusing intensely on parts of objects, such as wheels

Preschool age (2 to 5 years)

• Difficulty playing with other children or taking turns
• Strong distress with small changes in routine
• Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, rocking or spinning
• Unusual reactions to sounds, textures, lights or smells
• Very intense, narrow interests

A sign that always deserves attention

Loss of skills at any age — such as losing words, babbling or social responses a child once had — should always be discussed with a doctor promptly.

Signs can look different in girls

Girls are more likely to mask or copy social behaviour, and their intense interests may seem more typical. As a result, autism in girls is often recognised later. If your instinct says something is different, that instinct is worth sharing.

Why early assessment helps

The developing brain is very adaptable in the early years. Early support — such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and structured developmental programmes — can help children build communication and daily-living skills. A diagnosis also opens access to school and community support.

What to do next

• Write down what you notice, with examples and ages
• Talk to your paediatrician and ask about developmental screening
• Ask for a referral to a developmental paediatrician, child psychologist or autism assessment team
• Don't wait for a diagnosis to start speech or developmental support if it is recommended

The honest bottom line

Autism is a different way of developing, not a failure of parenting. Noticing early signs is not about labelling a child — it is about understanding them and getting the right support sooner. You know your child best; trust that knowledge and ask questions.