Recognizing Early Behaviors

“My child isn’t making eye contact… He loves lining up cars and spinning their wheels. He prefers playing with older children and knows the rhymes to countless songs. He rocks back and forth, spins in circles, and makes funny movements with his hands. He’s so adorable—he takes my hand and uses it to point when he wants something.”

If you’ve ever noticed similar behaviors in your own child or other children, you might have wondered if these are just quirks or signs of something more. If a child experiences speech delays, doesn’t ask for things using words by the age of two, or starts losing previously acquired skills, it’s important to consult a pediatrician.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person interacts with others, communicates, learns, and behaves. While autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is classified as a “developmental disorder” because its symptoms typically appear within the first two years of life (National Institute of Mental Health, 2025).

Although formal diagnosis often occurs around 30 months of age, early signs can be present much earlier. Parents may not immediately recognize these signs, and doctors might not always address concerns adequately. However, early detection is crucial. Children as young as 16 months can be screened for autism, allowing parents to implement play-based interventions and early stimulation activities that can greatly benefit the child’s development.

Early Signs of Autism

When engaging with your child, watch for the following signs, which have been linked to later autism diagnoses:

Infants (6-12 Months)

• Rarely smiles when approached by caregivers
• Rarely imitates sounds or movements, such as smiling, laughing, or waving
• Delayed or infrequent babbling
• Does not consistently respond to their name
• Does not use gestures to communicate (e.g., pointing to objects out of reach)
• Limited eye contact
• Shows little interest in gaining attention from caregivers
• Displays unusual body movements, such as stiffening arms or rotating hands
• Does not reach up when a caregiver reaches to pick them up
• Delays in motor milestones, such as rolling over, pushing up, or crawling (Landa, 2025)

Toddlers (12 Months and Older)

• Does not say single words by 16 months (e.g., “Mama” while looking at their mother)
• Does not use meaningful two-word phrases by 24 months (e.g., “pani dedo” rather than just repeating phrases)
• Uses a caregiver’s hand as a tool to point rather than pointing independently
• Does not point at objects and look at a caregiver for shared attention
• Prefers playing alone or does not engage with peers in a typical way
• Reacts unusually to other children—jumps, screams, or runs rather than engaging in play
• Does not follow another person’s gaze to see what they are looking at
• Does not engage in pretend play (e.g., pretending to feed a toy or putting a doll to sleep)
• Is overly sensitive to certain sounds (e.g., a pressure cooker whistle)
• Engages in repetitive movements like rocking, spinning, or flapping hands
• Avoids or struggles to sustain eye contact when spoken to
• Arranges toys in a repetitive manner, such as lining up cars or blocks
• Plays with parts of toys rather than using them as intended (e.g., spinning wheels instead of pushing cars)
• Does not imitate actions or sounds (e.g., clapping when you clap)
• Has lost previously acquired speech, babbling, or social skills at any age

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If your child is exhibiting several of these behaviors, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician or a developmental specialist.

A “wait and see” approach may not be ideal. Identifying developmental delays early allows for timely intervention, taking advantage of the brain’s rapid growth and adaptability in the early years (Landa, 2025). Early support can make a significant difference in a child’s communication, social, and learning abilities.

By staying informed and observant, parents and caregivers can take proactive steps toward ensuring the best possible developmental outcomes for their children.

Bibliography

Landa, R. (2025). “Could My Child Have Autism” Ten Signs of Possible Autism-Related Delays in 6-to 12-Month Old Children. Retrieved February 2025, from Kennedy Kriegar: https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/press-release/s/could-my-child-have-autism-ten-signs-possible-autism-related-delays-6-12-month-old-children

National Institute of Mental Health. (2025, February). Retrieved February 2025, from Autism Spectrum Disorder: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd#hts-intro