Early Signs of Autism in Children Every Parent Should Know

Being a parent, half your thoughts are occupied by your children. Oftentimes, you might find yourself wondering: Is your child just shy and avoiding eye contact, or maybe your child is hyperactive and does not calm down?

One possible explanation for these behaviors could be autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But it is not as simple as it sounds. Pinpointing the exact reason is almost impossible.

What you can be sure of is that children with ASD behave, interact, and learn in a different way than other children. But the most important thing to remember is that not all children with autistic symptoms will show all these behaviors. That is why a professional autism diagnosis is extremely important.

Recognizing the behaviours that do not align with the normal developmental milestones early can help parents seek timely support and intervention.

Developmental Milestones Parents Should Track

Children usually reach their developmental milestones within certain timeframes:

• Motor skills (sitting, walking, grasping)

• Cognitive skills (problem-solving, recognizing objects)

• Language and communication (first words, gestures)

• Social and behavioral skills (playing with others, expressing emotions)

Children with ASD often have delayed achievement of these milestones. 

When Do Children Start Showing Signs of Autism?

Early detection of autism is possible because some signs of autism appear as early as 6 months to 2 years old. Parents and caregivers should watch for persistent behaviors.

Even children with typical development may occasionally show these behaviors, but continued patterns are what matter most.

Early Autism Signs in Infants (6–12 Months)

• Not smiling at familiar people

• Eye contact avoidance

• Overreacting to specific noises 

• Lack of response to their name

• Not copying others’ actions 

• Low enthusiasm to explore surroundings

Signs of Autism in Toddlers (12–24 Months)

• Not pointing or holding out objects

• Frequent tantrums, difficult to calm

• Engaging in repetitive behaviors or unusual play patterns

• Reduced social interaction skills compared to peers

• Repetitive behaviors, such as lining up toys or repeating words

• Communication difficulties, including delayed speech development or a lack of gestures

• Behavioral signs like frequent tantrums

Why Early Detection and Diagnosis Matter?

Early detection allows parents to tackle the problem head-on. A professional autism diagnosis and screening help put the child on the right track to reach their milestones. Children’s brains have high neuroplasticity, meaning early therapies can improve social interaction challenges and communication difficulties. 

What Should Parents Do If They Notice Autism Signs?

• Observe and record behaviors — track symptoms, triggers, and duration.

• Schedule a doctor visit — discuss your concerns about your children.

• Follow recommended therapies — early intervention is critical for success.

Timely action can significantly improve your child’s outcomes. Remember that an autism diagnosis is not an ultimate verdict.