Early Signs of Autism in Children: A Parent’s Guide to Milestones, Red Flags, and Next Steps

Children grow at their own pace, but parents may notice differences in how their child interacts, communicates, or plays. Those observations matter. Learning about the early signs of autism in children can help families understand what they see and decide when it may be helpful to seek guidance.

Autism is a developmental condition that often appears through differences in social interaction, communication, and play. Recognizing early signs opens the door to supportive services that nurture learning and connection during key developmental years.

This guide breaks down early signs by age, shows what they might look like in daily life, and provides practical next steps if questions arise.

Early Social and Communication Development in Babies

Understanding early social and communication development in babies helps families notice patterns that may benefit from gentle support. Every baby develops at their own pace, and differences during the first year can reflect a range of developmental factors. Certain early behaviors can offer helpful insight into how babies are beginning to connect and engage.

What to Look for by 6 Months

By six months, many babies show early social and communication behaviors that form the foundation for learning. Typical milestones include:

• Making consistent eye contact and following faces with their eyes
• Responding to familiar voices and sounds
• Showing curiosity by reaching for objects or turning toward new stimuli

If your baby shows limited interest in faces, rarely responds to familiar voices or sounds, or seems less engaged during interactive moments, it can be helpful to share these observations with a pediatrician. Parents can also support development through simple, everyday interactions:

• Face-to-face interactions, allowing your baby to mimic expressions
• Games like peek-a-boo or soft sounds to invite responses
• Offering opportunities to explore toys, textures, and their surroundings through floor play and tummy time, noticing how your baby reaches, looks, and responds

Takeaway: Noticing early engagement and interaction helps you understand how your baby is beginning to connect and interact with the world.

Key Indicators by 9 Months

By nine months, babies often become more socially aware and interactive. Common behaviors include:

• Smiling or laughing in response to others
• Increasing awareness of their name, even if responses are still inconsistent at this age
• Exploring objects with curiosity

During everyday routines such as feeding or playtime, ask yourself:

• Does your baby smile back when you smile?
• Are they reaching out or showing interest in new toys?
• Do they respond consistently to familiar voices or sounds?

Takeaway: Paying attention to social interest and responsiveness at this stage helps families support early communication and engagement as these skills continue to emerge.

Social, Communication, and Play Development in Toddlers

Toddlers develop rapidly through words, play, and social experiences. Observing patterns in communication, interaction, and play helps parents support their child’s development without pressure or comparison.

What to Notice by 12 Months

Early social and communication skills during this age often include:

• Waving or attempting gestures like “bye-bye” or “high five.”
• Making sounds, babbling, or experimenting with early words
• Showing curiosity about surroundings and objects

Signs to watch for may include limited babbling, minimal gesture use, or reduced social engagement. Parents can encourage engagement through:

• Peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek games that invite interaction
• Imitation play, like copying claps, gestures, or silly sounds
• Naming objects during play to encourage recognition and early language

Takeaway: Tracking gestures, sounds, and social interest helps families recognize opportunities to nurture communication through everyday play.

Developmental Checkpoints Around 18 Months

Typical behaviors around 18 months often include:

• Using simple words or gestures to express needs
• Pointing to or showing objects of interest
• Showing affection toward familiar caregivers

Support growth through daily activities such as:

• Singing songs or simple finger plays together
• Naming items during play or meals
• Offering simple choices (“Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?”)

Takeaway: Observing communication attempts and shared attention at this stage helps guide meaningful, developmentally supportive interactions at home.

Important Developmental Milestones by 24 Months

By two years, toddlers often demonstrate growing independence across communication, play, and daily routines. Milestones may include:

• Combining words or using short phrases
• Engaging in pretend play, such as feeding a doll or pretending to cook
• Playing alongside peers and beginning simple social exchanges
• Participating in early daily living skills, such as helping with dressing tasks (pulling up pants, placing arms through sleeves), washing hands with support, or assisting with simple clean-up routines

Support development through everyday routines like:

• Playdates or small group activities to practice turn-taking
• Pretend play using toys, household items, or role-play scenarios
• Daily living activities such as helping set up snacks, tidy toys, or participate in dressing routines

Takeaway: Watching how toddlers communicate, play, and take part in daily routines offers insight into growing independence and provides natural opportunities to support skill development across environments.

Signs of Autism at Any Age

Autism can look different across childhood. While every child develops uniquely, paying attention to how they communicate, interact, play, and respond to sensory experiences can help families identify areas where extra support may be beneficial.

Key Areas to Notice

Children develop differently, but certain patterns may suggest areas worth monitoring more closely. Another important sign families sometimes notice is a loss of skills a child had previously developed, such as words, gestures, or social behaviors that were once used consistently but then stop abruptly.

• Communication: Differences in verbal speech, challenges in interpreting gestures or facial expressions, difficulty engaging in back-and-forth conversation, or a decrease in words, sounds, or gestures a child previously used
• Social Interaction: Preference for solitary play, avoiding eye contact or physical closeness, difficulty understanding social cues, or reduced interest in social interaction compared to earlier months
• Repetitive or Restricted Behaviors: Repeating actions, strong reliance on routines, intense focus on specific interests
• Sensory Responses: Over- or under-reaction to sounds, lights, textures, or movement, including seeking or avoiding certain sensations

Understanding the Causes of Autism

Autism is complex. No single factor explains why a child develops autism; it results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological influences.

The Role of Genetics

Genetics is one piece of the puzzle, and no single gene alone causes autism.

• Children with a parent or sibling with autism may have a higher likelihood of diagnosis
• Certain genes are linked to differences in brain development and communication pathways

Environmental Influences

While genetics sets the stage, certain environmental factors can interact with biological predispositions. These influences do not cause autism by themselves but may shape how it develops:

• Prenatal factors: Maternal health, nutrition, or exposure to certain medications during pregnancy.
• Perinatal events: Complications during birth or early neonatal challenges.
• Early life experiences: Variations in sensory environments or early exposures may affect brain development.

These factors are part of a broader picture and not a source of fault. Each child’s combination of influences is unique.

Neurological Differences

At the heart of autism are variations in how the brain processes information:

• Some neural pathways may function differently, affecting attention, sensory processing, and social awareness.
• Sensory experiences – sounds, textures, movement, or lights – can be heightened or muted, influencing how a child interacts with the world.
• Cognitive processing may differ in areas like problem-solving, memory, or flexibility, creating strengths and challenges that are unique to each child.

Autism is multifaceted. Understanding influences reassures families that differences are natural and not anyone’s fault.

The Value of Early Detection

Early awareness allows families to understand their child’s strengths, needs, and ways of engaging. Timely detection supports:

• Communication: Developing ways to express needs and emotions
• Social Engagement: Helping children connect with peers
• Daily Functioning: Building independence and confidence

Early detection is about empowerment, not labeling. Families can make informed choices and foster growth in a supportive environment.

What to Do If You Suspect Autism

Noticing differences can feel uncertain or overwhelming, but taking the first steps is empowering.

1) Seek Professional Evaluation

Your child’s pediatrician is often the best first point of contact when concerns arise. Pediatricians routinely screen for developmental differences, including autism, during well-child visits – most commonly around 18 and 24 months using tools such as the M-CHAT. Sharing specific observations about communication, social interaction, play, daily living skills, or sensory responses can help guide next steps.

If concerns continue and you feel they are not being fully addressed, families can seek additional evaluation and services. Specialists who evaluate autism include developmental pediatricians, neuropsychologists, and clinical psychologists.

A thorough evaluation typically involves:

• Caregiver interviews to understand developmental history and daily routines
• Observation of your child’s behavior in natural and structured settings
• Standardized assessments to measure communication, social interaction, daily living skills, and other developmental areas

This comprehensive approach allows providers to capture a complete picture of your child’s strengths, challenges, and unique profile.

For families in Connecticut, it’s important to know that you can self-refer to Birth to Three (B23) services without a formal diagnosis. These evaluations can assess social and communication development, daily living skills, and sensory processing, among other areas, and help determine whether early supports may be beneficial.

2) Build Support After Evaluation

If autism is confirmed, families gain access to tailored guidance, such as:

• Therapists and educators experienced in autism interventions
• Pediatricians and specialists coordinating care
• Parent groups navigating similar experiences

3) Empower Your Family Through Knowledge

Beyond clinical guidance, early evaluation equips families to:

• Understand your child’s behaviors and learning style
• Reduce uncertainty and create a clear path forward
• Connect with resources and supportive communities

Approaching concerns with awareness and compassion lays the groundwork for a nurturing environment. Children with autism thrive when families feel informed, confident, and equipped to respond to each child’s unique needs.

Supporting Your Child at Home and in the Clinic: Practical Steps for Everyday Growth

Early awareness and professional guidance are most effective when paired with consistent support at home. Families don’t need to be therapists – small, thoughtful actions in daily routines reinforce learning and boost confidence.

Strengthening Communication and Cognitive Skills

Simple, playful moments can support key areas of development:

• Language and expression: Narrate routines or play imitation games at home. Therapists may use visual supports or interactive activities to target speech, comprehension, and nonverbal communication.
• Problem-solving and flexibility: Encourage exploration with puzzles or open-ended play. Guided problem-solving in therapy strengthens these skills.
• Memory and decision-making: Everyday choices and turn-based games help children practice attention, memory, and decision-making.

Building Daily Living Skills

Independence is a meaningful milestone. Embed skill-building into routines by:

• Practicing dressing, feeding, or hygiene step by step
• Organizing toys, clothing, or small household items
• Following multi-step routines like helping set the table or tidying up

Therapists provide hands-on instruction and visual supports, which families can reinforce at home to help children apply skills across routines.

Encouraging Social Engagement

Guided social exercises in therapy help children interpret cues and navigate interactions:

• Playdates or small group activities at home encourage sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation
• Imaginative or role-play games build empathy and understanding

Creating a Nurturing Environment

Children thrive in environments that reflect their strengths and interests. Celebrate accomplishments, provide predictable routines for security, collaborate with therapists for consistent support, and encourage participation in activities your child enjoys.

When home routines and therapy complement each other, children get repeated, meaningful practice that helps them build skills and confidence throughout their day.

Moving Forward with Confidence

By observing patterns, seeking evaluation, and combining home strategies with guided therapy, families help children grow, learn new skills, and build confidence in safe, engaging ways.

At the Talcott Center, we partner with families to provide practical tools, guidance, and individualized support tailored to each child’s strengths. This ensures children have consistent opportunities to learn, practice, and thrive both at home and in the clinic.

Take the next step with confidence. Schedule a friendly, no-pressure consult to discuss your child’s growth and your family goals – we’re here to provide reassurance, clarity, and a clear path forward.