Key Takeaways
Autism signs can appear as early as infancy, but every child develops differently.
Early clues may include limited eye contact, missing babbling or gestures, speech delays, or repetitive behaviors.
Noticing these signs doesn’t mean something is “wrong," it just means you’re tuned into your child’s development.
If you think your child may have autism, Alpaca can help you connect with a local provider and explore support options.
As a parent, you're always watching your child grow and change. You notice every smile, sound, and milestone—and sometimes you wonder if your child’s development is progressing as it should.
If you've been wondering about differences you've noticed in how your child plays or connects with other kids, you're in good company, and there's no need to worry. Remember, noticing early signs isn't the same as assuming something's wrong—it just means you’re paying attention.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the early signs of autism in infants and toddlers. We'll also help you figure out when it might be time to talk with your doctor and why recognizing the early sign can make such a difference.
Early Signs of Autism in Infants
Autism signs can be subtle in babies under 12 months. Every infant develops at their own pace, but there are some developmental behaviors to watch for that might give you early clues.
Lack of Eye Contact or Social Smiling
By 6 to 8 months, most infants:
Make eye contact
Smile back when someone smiles at them
Follows faces and objects with their gaze
These behaviors show early social connection.
If your baby shows less eye contact or doesn't smile back as much, it might be worth noting. They can appear more inwardly focused and less responsive to social cues. It doesn't automatically mean your child has autism, but it's something you could mention to your pediatrician.
Doesn’t Respond to Name
Most babies will turn their head, look, or respond somehow to their name by 9 to 12 months. If they're not responding consistently, it might suggest challenges with attention or social awareness.
Your doctor will likely suggest a hearing test first to rule out hearing loss. If hearing checks out fine, you and your doctor can explore what else might be going on.
Delayed Gesturing and Babbling
Babies typically start babbling between 6 and 9 months. Gestures, like waving and clapping, usually happen between 9 and 12 months. It's how babies "talk" before they have actual words.
If your child isn't experimenting with sounds or gestures, or seems quieter than other kids their age, bring it up with your pediatrician. Missing babbling or gestures can be one of the earliest autism signs.
Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers
As your child grows into the toddler stage (12 to 36 months), you’ll start to see more complexity in their:
Social Skills
Language
Play
Some children may appear to meet early milestones just fine—but other toddlers may begin to show early signs of autism in toddlers as communication and social play expectations increase.
Delayed or Absent Speech
By 16 months, most toddlers can speak a few words or more. By 24 months, they begin to combine words into simple phrases. By 24 months, they start combining words into simple phrases like "more juice" or "go outside."
Autism signs in toddlers might include speech delays like:
Limited vocabulary or fewer words than expected
Loss of words they used to say
Using words but not really to communicate (just repeating things)
Speech delays happen for lots of reasons, but if it's happening alongside social or behavioral changes, it could be an early sign of autism.
Repetitive Behaviors and Intense Interests
Toddlers with autism may show repetitive behaviors. These behaviors, also called stimming, can be their way of managing sensory needs. You might see movements like:
Hand-flapping
Rocking back and forth
Spinning
Lining up toys
Autistic toddlers may also get intensely focused on specific routines and objects—like watching spinning fans or insisting on playing the exact same way every time.
It's normal for toddlers to like routines. If you see real rigidity or meltdowns when things change, though, that could be an early sign of autism.
Difficulty with Pretend Play and Social Connection
Between ages 2 and 3, imagination really takes off. Kids may feed their dolls or "cook" with toy pots, and they'll often pull parents into their play. Toddlers with autism may show less interest in pretend play and might not enjoy social games like peek-a-boo.
Instead, they might prefer playing alone, even in social situations like daycare or playdates. Their play may also be repetitive and focused on objects rather than people. Difficulty with shared attention or playing alongside other children can also be a sign.
When to Bring Up Concerns with Your Pediatrician
Trust your gut. If something feels different about your child's development, it's worth talking to your doctor—even if friends and family say "let's wait and see." Getting answers sooner rather than later can give you peace of mind and get your child any help they might need.
Pediatricians use screening tools to spot autism signs as early as 18 months. And here's the most important thing: you don't need a formal diagnosis to start getting support. Talking with your doctor early opens doors to specialists and early intervention programs that can help right away.
Starting this process early can also help you find a trusted provider who can diagnose and budget for autism diagnosis costs if needed.
Why Early Detection of Autism Matters
The sooner autism is identified, the sooner your child can get the support they need to thrive. Early intervention doesn't require a diagnosis. In fact, many programs for toddlers focus on supporting development regardless of labels.
Autism therapies that help boost communication, play skills, and social behavior include:
Occupational Therapy
Play Therapy
Research shows that early support makes a real difference in long-term development, and ABA therapy is a widely recognized approach.
Understanding the Spectrum: Every Child is Different
Autism is called a "spectrum" for good reason—no two autistic children are the same. Some may show signs as early as infancy, while others might not display noticeable differences until later in childhood. Sometimes a child hits typical milestones early on, only for communication or social differences to emerge over time.
Here's what matters most: if you notice developmental differences, don't panic. Focus on careful observation and get professional support. Early guidance and intervention can make a meaningful difference in helping your child thrive, whatever their unique journey looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Early Signs of Autism
When can you first see symptoms of autism?
You might see autism signs in babies as young as six months, though they're typically most noticeable between 12 and 24 months.
Do babies and toddlers with autism like to be held?
Many autistic kids love physical touch and closeness. Some might prefer less touch due to sensory sensitivities, but it really varies from child to child.
Do babies and toddlers with autism sleep less?
Sleep challenges are pretty common in kids with autism. They might have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, but it depends on the individual child.
Are babies and toddlers with autism more fussy?
Some children might get more irritable due to sensory sensitivities and fewer coping skills. Others might seem unusually calm or passive. Fussiness alone isn't a reliable autism indicator.
How Alpaca Supports Families From the Start
At Alpaca Health, we get how overwhelming it can feel when you're noticing early autism signs. That's exactly why we're here to support families from day one.
Our platform We serve families with the highest quality, local ABA therapy providers, simplify care coordination, and offer resources to help you make informed decisions. Schedule a free consultation with an ABA provider today.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our ABA services for families.
Final Thoughts
Every child grows at their own pace, but some early signs can tell you if your child might need extra support. Autism affects how children communicate, play, and connect with others, and these signs often appear before age three.
Watching how your child responds to people, sounds, and play is important, it helps you catch signs early. If something feels off, don't wait. Talk to your pediatrician.
Knowing what to look for gives you confidence, and you're definitely not alone in this. Early help gives your child the best chance to thrive.
Recognizing early autism signs isn't about labeling your child, it's about opening doors to understanding and support. Stay observant, ask questions, and find healthcare professionals who can help. You're giving your child the best possible foundation for growth.
