5 Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers

Recognizing Early Autism Indicators

Spotting the early signs of autism in toddlers is essential for initiating timely interventions and improving long-term outcomes. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a child communicates, interacts, and processes sensory information. While every child develops at their own pace, there are common behavioral patterns that may indicate autism during the early developmental stages. Here are five early autism red flags that parents and caregivers should monitor closely.

1. Lack of Eye Contact:

One of the most noticeable early signs of autism in toddlers is limited or absent eye contact. Most infants begin engaging visually with caregivers by two to three months of age. Eye contact plays a critical role in early social development, emotional bonding, and non-verbal communication. A toddler with autism may:

Consistently avoid eye contact during feeding, play, or interactions
Appear to look through or past people instead of at them
Show little interest in facial expressions or visual engagement

Persistent difficulty with eye contact can be a strong indicator of social communication delays, a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder.

2. Delayed Social Interaction:

Social interaction is a key developmental milestone in infancy. By six months, most babies will respond to smiles, enjoy being cuddled, and react positively to familiar voices. In contrast, toddlers with early signs of autism may show:

Minimal response to social gestures such as waving or clapping
Lack of interest in peer interaction or caregiver engagement
Indifference to being held, comforted, or talked to

If your child exhibits reduced emotional responsiveness or seems detached from social environments, it may be time to consult with a pediatrician for developmental screening.

3. Limited Babbling and Gestures:

Communication delays are among the most recognized early autism symptoms. Typically, babies begin to babble by 6–9 months and use gestures like pointing, waving, or reaching by their first birthday. However, children on the autism spectrum might:

Babble less frequently or not at all
Fail to respond to their name by 12 months
Show little to no interest in nonverbal communication cues

Monitoring these developmental milestones is key. A lack of early communication skills can indicate the need for a speech and language evaluation.

4. Repetitive Behaviors:

Repetitive movements and behaviors—known as “stimming”—can appear in the first year of life and are often more intense in toddlers with ASD. While occasional rocking or hand-flapping is developmentally normal, signs of concern include:

Frequent, prolonged hand-flapping, spinning, or toe-walking
Repetitive use of objects (e.g., lining up toys, spinning wheels)
Obsessive attachment to routines or resistance to change

Such behaviors may indicate restricted and repetitive behavior patterns, which are a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder.

5. Sensory Sensitivities:

Unusual responses to sensory input are another common early sign of autism in toddlers. These sensory sensitivities may manifest as either heightened reactions (hypersensitivity) or low responsiveness (hyposensitivity) to various stimuli. Watch for signs such as:

Overreaction to loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures
Discomfort with grooming activities like brushing hair or wearing clothes
Unusual fascination with spinning objects, lights, or patterns

Understanding your toddler’s sensory processing challenges can be crucial in seeking appropriate therapy or interventions.

A Key Role in Early Autism Detection and Support:

Being proactive about your child’s development can make a significant difference. If you notice any combination of these early signs of autism in toddlers, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician or a child development specialist. Early screening and diagnostic evaluations can lead to personalized intervention plans that support your child’s growth.
Remember, not all delays point to autism—but recognizing potential autism red flags early on empowers families to take the next steps with confidence. Trust your instincts, track developmental milestones, and seek professional guidance when in doubt. Early action is one of the most powerful tools in supporting a child with autism.