10 Signs of Autism You Shouldn’t Ignore in Young Children
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make a profound difference in a child’s development and long-term outcomes.
Recognizing the signs of autism early allows families to seek support, interventions, and therapies that can help their child thrive.
While autism presents uniquely in each individual, there are common signs that parents and caregivers should be aware of.
Here are 10 signs of autism you shouldn’t ignore in young children.
1. Delayed Speech and Language Development Many children with autism experience delays in speech and language development.
By 12 months, most children can say a few simple words, and by age 2, they start combining words into short phrases.
If a child isn’t meeting these milestones or shows minimal interest in verbal communication, it could indicate autism. Nonverbal communication, such as gestures or pointing, may also be limited.
2. Limited Eye Contact A lack of eye contact or inconsistent use of it is a hallmark sign of autism. Infants and toddlers with autism might avoid looking directly at people, especially during interactions.
This can affect their ability to connect emotionally with caregivers and peers.
3. Challenges with Social Interaction Young children with autism often struggle with social interaction. They may not respond to their name, show little interest in playing with others, or prefer to play alone.
Difficulty interpreting social cues, such as understanding facial expressions or tone of voice, is also common.
4. Repetitive Behaviors and Routines Repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning objects, or lining up toys, can be indicative of autism. These actions may serve as a source of comfort or a way to process sensory input.
Additionally, children with autism may show resistance to changes in routines and become upset if their schedule is disrupted.
5. Sensory Sensitivities Children with autism often exhibit heightened or reduced responses to sensory stimuli.
For example, they may cover their ears to block out certain sounds, refuse to wear specific textures of clothing, or be overly fascinated by lights or spinning objects.
Conversely, some children may seek sensory input, such as repeatedly touching objects or jumping.
6. Lack of Joint Attention Joint attention refers to the ability to share focus with another person on an object or event.
A typical example is when a child points to a bird in the sky and looks back at the parent to share the experience.
A lack of joint attention is often an early sign of autism, as it impacts social and communication development.
7. Limited Use of Gestures Gestures like waving, pointing, or nodding are an essential part of early communication.
A child with autism may rarely use gestures to express themselves or may use them in unconventional ways.
For example, instead of pointing to indicate they want something, they might grab a caregiver’s hand to lead them to it.
8. Unusual Reactions to Emotions Children with autism may not respond to emotions in expected ways.
For instance, they might not comfort someone who is upset or could laugh at inappropriate times.
Conversely, they may become overwhelmed by emotional situations that other children handle with ease.
9. Intense Focus on Particular Interests Many children with autism develop deep, intense interests in specific topics, objects, or activities.
This fascination can lead them to focus exclusively on their interest, often for extended periods, and talk about it repeatedly.
While developing interests is typical for children, the level of intensity and exclusivity can distinguish this behavior as a sign of autism.
10. Delayed or Absent Pretend Play Pretend play, such as feeding a doll or pretending to drive a car, is an important developmental milestone.
Children with autism may engage in less imaginative play and instead focus on repetitive actions, like spinning the wheels of a toy car rather than pretending it’s driving.
When to Seek Help If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician or a specialist as early as possible.
Autism is typically diagnosed through a combination of parental observations, developmental screenings, and evaluations by professionals, such as developmental pediatricians or child psychologists.
Interventions such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) can make a significant impact when started early.
These therapies are tailored to a child’s specific needs and can improve communication, social skills, and daily functioning.
Final Thoughts Recognizing the signs of autism early is crucial for accessing the right support and resources for your child.
Every child develops at their own pace, but if you notice these behaviors or developmental delays, trust your instincts and seek professional guidance.