Understanding the typical developmental milestones of your child is crucial for parents and caregivers. Recognizing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the first step towards ensuring timely intervention and support. While not every child with autism will exhibit all signs, most will show several of the behaviors listed below, highlighting the importance of professional evaluation if you have concerns. It’s also important to remember that some children without ASD may display some of these behaviors, but in children with ASD, these characteristics can significantly impact daily life.
Early Signs of Autism in Babies
By 6 Months
- Displays few or no big smiles or other warm, engaging expressions.
- Makes limited or no eye contact.
By 9 Months
- Shows little to no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or facial expressions.
Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers
By 12 Months
- Exhibits little or no babbling.
- Shows little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving.
- Has little or no response to their name.
By 16 Months
- Uses very few or no words.
By 24 Months
- Uses very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (excluding imitation or repetition).
Autism Signs at Any Age
- Experiences loss of previously acquired speech, babbling, or social skills.
- Avoids eye contact.
- Shows a persistent preference for being alone.
- Has difficulty understanding other people’s feelings.
- Demonstrates delayed language development.
- Persistently repeats words or phrases (echolalia).
- Resists minor changes in routine or surroundings.
- Has restricted interests.
- Engages in repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.).
- Displays unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights, and/or colors.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Diagnosis Age
The age at which autism is diagnosed and the appearance of early signs can vary significantly among children. Some children may show indicators of autism within the first year of life. For others, these signs might not become apparent until 24 months or later. Notably, some children with ASD may develop new skills and reach developmental milestones until around 18 to 24 months, after which they may stop gaining new skills or even lose skills they had previously acquired.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends universal autism screening for all children at 18 and 24 months of age. These screenings are in addition to regular developmental and behavioral assessments during well-child visits at 9 months, 18 months, and 30 months. Research indicates that autism spectrum disorder can be reliably diagnosed by an experienced professional as early as age 2. Early diagnosis is crucial as it opens the door to early intervention services, which can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, it is important to seek professional advice and explore available resources. Early detection and intervention are key to supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and helping them reach their full potential.
