Each child develops at his or her own pace, learning the world on his or her own terms. Most differences in development are entirely normal, but knowing the early signs of autism can inform parents when their toddler will benefit from some additional support. Identifying these signs at an early stage means interventions can occur earlier and have a greater impact.
Common Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers
You can see signs as early as 12–24 months. These will differ from child to child, but commonly involve difficulties with social interaction, communication, and behavior. Some of these include:
- Delayed speech or restricted language – Your toddler might not babble, say single words, or put two words together into short sentences by certain ages.
- Limited eye contact – They might not look at you when playing, eating, or being talked to.
- Repetitive behavior – Hand-flapping, rocking, spinning toys, or repetition of certain actions.
- Lack of response to their name – You may see that your child does not always react to you when you call them.
- Limited interest in others – They could want to play alone and be less interested in imitating or playing with others.
- Unusual sensory responses – Covering their ears, resisting textures, or having intense reactions to light and sound.
- Need for routine – Unpredictable changes may result in meltdowns or increased stress.
Identifying these early signs of autism doesn’t constitute a diagnosis—it just means additional assessment is likely to be beneficial in helping their development more effectively.
Why It’s Important to Notice Early Signs:
Knowing the early signs of autism provides families with an advantage in working with their child’s needs. Early intervention has been proven to improve:
- Language and communication.
- Social interaction.
- Emotional regulation.
- Trust in daily rituals.
It also provides parents with strategies to work with developmental differences in a peaceful, educated manner.
At LifeLab Kids, we collaborate closely with families to identify and react to those early warning signs of autism in toddlers. Licensed therapists use playful, child-directed approaches to assist each child with development in a way that is significant. We work to develop communication skills in speech and language therapy, meet sensory needs through occupational therapy, and foster social interaction and self-regulation through interactive play-based activities. Along the way, we also educate parents with easy, practical strategies they can use at home to reinforce gains and create more connected daily routines. We think that every child should be understood and encouraged from the very beginning. Our caring atmosphere is created to assist your toddler in growing confident and successful in daily life.