Recognizing Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers: What Parents Should Look Out For

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurological and developmental disorders. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Autism affects about 1 in 36 kids. Autism is marked largely by differences in social interaction, social communication skills, and restricted interests or repetitive behaviors that affect important areas of life, like school. However, everyone with Autism is very different. For example, some kids with Autism are talkative and show few developmental differences; other kids with Autism do not speak verbally and do experience significant differences in developmental milestones.

ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, so teaching kids the skills they need to succeed early on is beneficial. An Autism diagnosis can help kids, teens, and adults understand themselves, but that's not all. An Autism diagnosis is also necessary for accessing certain services, treatments, and accommodations. Depending on where you live and factors like finances or insurance coverage, it can take extensive time to get an Autism diagnosis. With all of this in mind, professionals strongly recommend early detection and intervention. So, what should parents know if they suspect Autism in their toddler?

This page will cover essential advice for parents who suspect Autism in young children. To start, let's go over common signs of Autism in toddlers. Then, we'll discuss when to seek help in the form of an Autism assessment and what you can do to support your child both at home and in other parts of life.

Common signs of Autism in toddlers

Looking at common developmental milestones can help identify Autism spectrum disorder early in life, such as a child's toddler years. Here are some possible signs of Autism in toddlers and the age at which you might notice them.

Social communication difficulties

Although toddlers may not be of traditional school age yet, there are still social communication differences to look out for that might indicate Autism. Parents often notice the following social communication symptoms at home.

Lack of eye contact

Though they may not focus well until 6-8 weeks, babies usually start to make eye contact early on. Poor eye contact is a very common symptom of Autism, and it's one of the most well-known potential indicators. If a toddler lacks eye contact, parents should mention it to their pediatrician immediately. 

Limited or no response to their name

If children do not start to respond to their names by age one (twelve months old), it is a strong indicator of Autism. Sometimes, an autistic child will react to their name, so this is not necessarily true across the board. If you do notice it, talk to your child's pediatrician. 

Repetitive behaviors or restricted interests

In addition to differences in social communication skills, repetitive or restrictive behaviors are common in kids with Autism. These things are not always "bad" and can vary extensively from child to child. 

Obsessive interests in specific objects or topics

Special interests are extremely common in people with Autism. These can be lifelong and frequently include animals, sciences (e.g., medicine, astronomy), computers, music, TV shows, books, or movies. You may notice that your toddler is deeply connected or drawn to specific objects or subjects early on in a way that is different and more intense than that of their older siblings or other kids their age.

Unusual repetitive movements or actions

It's estimated that about 44% of people with Autism experience some type of stimming (self-stimulation) behavior. Stimming can be a positive thing, as it is a mode of self-regulation, but some stims can be more disruptive or dangerous than others. Often, stimming refers to repetitive behaviors such as the following:

• Rocking
• Flapping arms or hands
• Pacing
• Spinning
• Snapping their fingers
• Rubbing objects
• Repeating phrases and words (echolalia)
• Biting or chewing on nails, sleeves, or other objects
• Flipping light switches off and on
• Opening and closing doors

Toddlers with Autism spectrum disorder will all experience these symptoms in different ways. Usually, you'll start to notice these symptoms in autistic children by around age three.

When to seek help

Not all kids with Autism spectrum disorder experience developmental delays, but many do. If you notice signs of Autism, such as those listed above, developmental delays, such as a speech delay, or both, in your toddler, it is essential to talk with a pediatrician about what steps to take next.

Importance of early intervention

Although it can be diagnosed at any point in a person's life, early intervention can make a major difference for autistic people because it means they'll have access to important resources. Most of the time, there will be a waitlist for children's Autism assessments, which means that months may pass before your child is able to get an official Autism assessment. This is another reason to speak up and get a referral from a provider early.

Red flags to watch for

Looking for early warning signs can help your child get an early diagnosis and intervention. Usually, the signs and symptoms a provider will look for in a toddler or young child include the following:

• Sensory sensitivities
• Lack of response to name
• Repetitive behaviors, body movements, or words
• Limited facial expressions
• Trouble understanding other people's facial expressions
• Difficulty with change or minor transitions in daily life activities
• Differences in social skills
• Rigid routines or rituals
• Intense interest in certain subjects
• Poor eye contact

Some kids will show other signs, too, like little interest in other children. Every child with Autism is different, and the symptom criteria for Autism can be expansive, so talking with a pediatrician is the best way to determine whether or not a child may have Autism.

Steps for parents to take if they suspect Autism

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all kids aged 18 months to two years old are screened for Autism alongside developmental surveillance. If you suspect that your child may have Autism or a related disorder, talk to a trusted provider who can provide individualized guidance and refer your child for an Autism assessment. 

Talk to your child's pediatrician

For most parents, talking to a pediatrician is the first step toward a possible diagnosis. Express the symptoms you notice, like how your child responds in social situations, lack of responsiveness to their name, poor eye contact, or intense reactions to sensory stimuli. If there are any developmental differences, make sure to bring them up.

Seek a developmental evaluation

An Autism evaluation will look for things like differences in social communication skills, such as reciprocity, reactions, and imitation. The person assessing your child for Autism will play games with young children and toddlers to gauge possible differences in these areas. They'll also ask you questions about your child's development. When the evaluation is over, the provider will go over the results with you in depth.

Consider early intervention services

Talk with your child's doctor about what kind of services might be appropriate for your child. Some kids will need help with certain parts of life. For example, help with stopping harmful behaviors (behaviors that could threaten their safety or other people's, like banging their head; not all kids do this, but it is an example of a potentially harmful stim), occupational therapy, or speech therapy for communication and language skills. 

Supporting your child with Autism

If your child has Autism, or if you suspect that they do, there are things you can do to support and empower them. Here's what you can do to support your child with Autism now and as you move forward with an assessment or diagnosis. 

Creating a supportive environment

Learn about Autism and create a supportive environment for your child based on their specific symptoms. Here are some tips:

• Create predictable daily routines and communicate them clearly to your toddler. Pictures can be helpful for conveying daily routines; you may create a visual schedule to help them understand.
• Understand and accommodate sensory sensitivities. This could mean choosing specific clothing items, reducing noise, providing sensory toys, or making plans for what to do in case of sensory overload (e.g., taking the child to a calm, quiet space). 
• Ensure that your child has a calm, safe space to go to at home. For example, a safe, sensory-friendly room where they can relax when overloaded.
• Give your child positive reinforcement, like verbal praise, for new skills and good behavior. 

When your child is ready to start school, you can also work closely with teachers and other staff members. School-aged children will often benefit from a 504 plan or IEP.

Working with therapists and specialists

Parents of autistic children can work closely with behavioral therapists and other specialists. Your role as a parent may be to help create and monitor your child's treatment plan, make sure that you agree with that treatment plan, and advocate for additional services if needed. You may set goals with providers such as occupational therapists or speech therapists. 

Building a strong support network

A strong support network can be essential for parents. Your support network may include professionals, other parents, friends, partners, or family members. Parents with a strong, supportive community who take care of their own mental health are often more able to manage their own stress levels effectively and better support their children.

Conclusion

Identifying signs of Autism early on can help parents get their child an Autism assessment sooner. When kids have an official Autism diagnosis, they can access resources that may aid their development and success in school, in social situations, at home, or in other parts of life. For example, speech therapy, social skills training, behavioral support, and occupational therapy. The Centers for Disease Control has a list of early intervention contact information organized by US state, which you can find here: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/state-text.html. 

You can also learn more about Autism on:

The Centers for Disease Control Website - Autism (includes information, tools, and resources for parents, providers, and others)

The National Institute of Mental Health Website (NIMH) - Autism (basic information about Autism spectrum disorder)