Early Warning Signs of Autism in Toddlers: What Parents Should Know
Recognizing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers is crucial for timely intervention and support. While every child develops at their own pace, certain behaviors and developmental patterns may signal the need for further evaluation. This guide outlines the most important early warning signs, organized in a parent-friendly way, to help you understand what to look for and when to seek help.
Social Communication and Interaction
Limited Eye Contact: Toddlers with ASD may avoid or have difficulty maintaining eye contact, even with familiar people.
No Response to Name: By 9-12 months, a child may not respond when their name is called.
Lack of Gestures: By 12 months, gestures such as waving goodbye or pointing to objects may be absent.
No Sharing of Interests: By 15 months, children may not show or share objects they like with others, such as bringing a toy to show a parent.
No Pointing: By 18 months, not pointing to indicate interest in something (like an airplane in the sky) is a concern.
Limited Facial Expressions: A lack of typical facial expressions (happiness, sadness, surprise) may be noticeable.
Poor Imitation and Pretend Play: Difficulty imitating others or engaging in pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll) is common.
No Awareness of Others’ Feelings: By 24 months, a child may not show concern when others are hurt or upset.
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
Repetitive Movements: Hand-flapping, body rocking, spinning, or toe-walking are frequent in toddlers with ASD.
Echolalia: Repeating words or phrases over and over, sometimes out of context.
Rigid Routines: Strong resistance to changes in routine or environment.
Obsessive Interests: Intense focus on specific objects or topics, such as lining up toys or fixating on parts of objects (like wheels).
Unusual Sensory Responses: Overreacting or underreacting to sounds, textures, lights, or smells.
Motor and Developmental Signs
Delayed Motor Milestones: Some children may show delays in crawling, walking, or other motor skills.
Stereotyped Movements: Repetitive movements with or without objects, such as spinning toys in the same way each time.
Regression
Loss of Skills: Some children may lose previously acquired language, social, or play skills between ages 1 and 2 years.
Reduced Social Engagement: A child who previously made eye contact or smiled may stop doing so.
When to Seek Help
If you notice any of these signs, especially if they persist or worsen over time, consider discussing your concerns with your child’s pediatrician or scheduling a comprehensive evaluation with a Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician.
Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with ASD.
Additional Considerations
Associated Issues: Children with ASD may also experience gastrointestinal problems, seizures, anxiety, hyperactivity, language delays, and learning difficulties.
Importance of Early Intervention: Research shows that starting intervention as early as possible leads to better developmental outcomes.
References
Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review and Analysis of the Risks and Benefits - PMC10491411
Early Warning Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder - CDC
When do children usually show symptoms of autism? - NICHD
Early Characteristics, Onset of Symptoms, and Diagnostic Stability - PMC5232420
Early Motor Signs in Autism Spectrum Disorder - PMC8870370
