pediatrician Archives - Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST)

Recognizing Autism Symptoms: How to Spot Early Signs

Published: April 22, 2024

Clinically Reviewed By: Sabrina Daneshvar, Ph.D., BCBA-D

By Sabrina Daneshvar, Ph.D., BCBA-D, senior vice president of clinical services at LEARN Behavioral

Recognizing Autism Symptoms: How to Spot Early Signs

Autism isn’t always easy to spot. It’s a complex neurological and developmental disorder. It often shows up in early childhood and affects how a person interacts with others, communicates, and learns.

Since symptoms of autism vary so widely from person to person, it can be challenging to diagnose.

Recognizing early signs can be vital to getting help. If you suspect your child may be on the autism spectrum, talk to your pediatrician. A medical professional can guide you on the next steps. This may include a complete diagnostic evaluation.

Understanding Autism

You may be familiar with people talking about autism existing on a “spectrum.” This means a person’s symptoms can vary in severity across many areas. For example, some people might have trouble with social interactions and communication. They might have difficulty understanding body language or maintaining a conversation. Others might have repetitive behaviors or be intensely focused on certain interests.

Simply put, autism doesn’t look the same for everyone. Everyone experiences it differently.

Early Signs of Autism

While every child is unique, there are common signs of autism to watch for. Here are some:

Social Challenges: Your child may avoid eye contact. They might have yet to respond to their name. They may show little interest in people or toys.
Communication Difficulties: Look for delayed speech. Or your child might repeat words without understanding them. They may not use gestures like pointing.
Repetitive Behaviors: A child with autism may flap their hands. They might line up toys instead of playing with them. They could insist on routines and get upset with changes.
Sensory Sensitivities: Your child may react unusually to sounds, lights, or textures. They could either be overly sensitive or not sensitive enough.

Watch for signs such as:

Not smiling at others by six months
Not using gestures to communicate by 12 months
Not babbling by 12 months
Not speaking single words by 16 months
Not speaking two-word phrases by 24 months
Not reacting to voices, sounds, or their name

Remember, these signs don’t confirm autism. But they suggest you should check with your health care provider.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you think your child may be showing signs of autism, early intervention is critical. Children’s brains are most adaptable and responsive to learning during the first few years of life. Research shows that high-quality early intervention can significantly improve essential skill development. These include communication, social interactions, cognition, and self-care.

So, if you notice signs of autism, document your observations. Talk to your child’s doctor, and stay patient and positive.

Getting a diagnosis of autism is not an end. It’s a beginning. It opens the door to getting the services and support that can help your child thrive.

Accessing therapies early can lead to better long-term outcomes. It reduces the need for intensive support in the future. It can also help foster supportive environments for your child’s growth.

Early intervention can also teach you strategies for navigating the world of autism.

Interested in learning more about the early signs of autism? Visit our website for additional information and how we can help you get started on your child’s journey to success.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Autism symptoms can be different for everyone. If your child is not growing or learning like other kids their age, or if they have any of the following signs, you might want to talk to your pediatrician:

Not smiling at others by six months

Not gesturing or pointing to communicate by 12 months

Not babbling by 12 months

Not using single words like “no,” “mama,” “dada” by 16 months

Not using two-word phrases like “want cup,” “go play” by 24 months

Not responding to sounds, voices, or their own name by three years

Poor eye contact by three years

Little interest in other children or caretakers by three years

Losing skills they once had at any point by three years

The Diagnosis Process

Getting a diagnosis of autism starts with an evaluation. Experts will examine how a child behaves and will look at their past development. If your child’s pediatrician thinks it might be autism, they’ll send your child to an expert for a closer look. This process includes:

A parent interview

Review of medical, psychological, and school records

Assessment of cognitive, developmental, and adaptive functioning skills

Observation of your child during play

What Happens Next?

After an autism evaluation, our team of specialists will review and interpret the results. If your child is diagnosed with autism, our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan includes therapies to help improve communication, social skills, and behavior.

At LEARN, we work with families on a plan tailored to your family’s needs. We will adjust the treatment plan as needed. We’ll also provide you with resources and support.

Whether you’re just noticing signs or you’re already deep into the diagnosis process, our team is here to help. We know that recognizing and diagnosing autism can be challenging. But with the right support and guidance, you can navigate it confidently.