what are the early warning signs of autism in toddlers?
As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes understanding their developmental milestones. It can sometimes be difficult to know when a child is just taking their own time to develop or whether something more is going on. For many parents, one of the biggest concerns is whether their child may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism is a developmental condition that affects how a child thinks, interacts, and experiences the world around them. It is usually evident by age 2, but the signs can appear even earlier. Identifying early signs of autism can make a significant difference in your child's developmental journey. Early diagnosis and intervention, like therapy, can help children build skills, navigate challenges, and make meaningful progress.
Here are some key signs to look for if you suspect your toddler may have autism:
1. Delayed Speech or Language Development
Many toddlers with autism may have a delay in developing speech and language skills. While some children with autism are nonverbal, others may have speech, but it may be limited. A child with autism might:
Not speak by 18 months or use very few words.
Have trouble using simple phrases or sentences.
Struggle to engage in two-way conversations or understand the rules of communication.
2. Limited Eye Contact or Social Interaction
One of the most common early signs of autism is difficulty with social interaction. This might look like:
Limited or absent eye contact when interacting with others.
Not responding when their name is called.
Difficulty showing or responding to emotions, such as not smiling at familiar people or not seeking comfort when upset.
While many toddlers may be shy or introverted, consistent patterns of avoiding social interaction are worth noting.
3. Repetitive Behaviors and Interests
Repetitive behaviors or fixations on specific activities are often a sign of autism. You might notice that your child:
Repeats actions, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects.
Becomes obsessed with certain toys, topics, or routines and may become very upset if these are disrupted.
Has a narrow range of interests and may spend a lot of time focusing on the same activity, object, or part of a toy (such as spinning the wheels of a car).
4. Difficulty with Pretend Play or Imaginative Activities
Children with autism may have difficulty engaging in pretend play, which is a critical part of social development. For example:
They may not engage in typical role-playing activities like pretending to cook or play house.
They may prefer to play alone rather than with others.
They may not imitate the actions of others, a skill which typically helps children learn social skills.
5. Sensory Sensitivities
Many children with autism have heightened or diminished sensitivities to sensory stimuli. You might notice your child:
Becoming overly sensitive to certain lights, sounds, textures, or smells (for example, covering their ears when there is background noise or refusing to wear certain clothes).
Seeking out intense sensory experiences, such as spinning, swinging, or pressing on certain textures.
6. Challenges with Routines and Transitions
Children with autism may thrive on consistency and struggle with changes in their routine. For example:
They may become upset or distressed if their daily schedule is disrupted.
They may have difficulty transitioning from one activity to another, such as moving from playtime to mealtime.
They may engage in repetitive behaviors to soothe themselves in unfamiliar or stressful situations.
7. Difficulty Understanding and Expressing Emotions
Understanding emotions can be challenging for children with autism. They may:
Have difficulty expressing their emotions appropriately, such as not showing empathy for others or not recognizing when others are upset.
Struggle to understand social cues like body language or facial expressions.
Show less interest in forming friendships or engaging in reciprocal social interactions.
What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important not to panic. Every child is different, and some of these behaviors may be seen in children without autism. However, it’s always better to seek professional guidance early.
Start by talking to your child’s pediatrician. They may refer you to specialists such as a developmental pediatrician, speech therapist, or psychologist for further evaluation. Early intervention programs, such as those based on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), are highly effective in supporting children diagnosed with autism and can be started as soon as possible.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The earlier autism is diagnosed, the sooner your child can begin therapy to develop essential skills in communication, social interaction, and self-regulation. Early intervention can make a significant difference in how your child develops and navigates the world around them.
At All Things Ability, I specialize in early intervention services using evidence-based approaches like ESDM. My goal is to support your child and your family in a compassionate, effective way that builds on your child’s strengths while addressing their unique needs.
If you have concerns about your child’s development or want to learn more about early intervention, feel free to reach out to me. Together, we can create a tailored plan to help your child thrive.