Every child grows and learns in their own way, so it can be tough to tell when something is off. Maybe your toddler doesn’t respond to their name, or your kindergartener avoids eye contact. You wonder if it’s just a phase, or if there’s something more going on. That nagging feeling doesn’t always come with clear answers.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) shows up in many different ways, and signs can be subtle. It’s not about labels, it’s about understanding your child better. Early support can make a real difference. If you notice some of these behaviors regularly, it might be time to talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist.
Avoids Eye Contact
Babies usually start making eye contact within the first few months. If your child rarely looks at you during play, feeding, or even when you’re calling their name, it might be more than just shyness. This kind of avoidance can be an early sign of autism, especially if it continues past six months.
Delayed Speech or No Speech at All
Most kids start saying simple words like “mama” or “dada” by 12 months. A child who isn’t speaking by 16 months or doesn’t use two-word phrases by age two may need a closer look. According to the NIH, about one-third of children diagnosed with autism usually have a regression in speech.
Repeats Words or Phrases Often
Some children with autism repeat what they hear; this is called echolalia. Your child might echo phrases from TV shows, songs, or conversations without understanding what they mean. It’s not about being silly. It’s often a way to process language, especially when social speech feels confusing.
Limited Interest in Peer Play
Many young kids enjoy playing side by side before they actually play together. But if your child seems completely uninterested in other children, doesn’t imitate, or never tries to join group activities, it could be a sign. An NIH study found that people with autism show different social interaction styles, which may be weird for many.
Highly Focused on Certain Objects or Topics
It’s one thing for a kid to love trains. It’s another for them to talk about nothing else for weeks and get upset if the topic changes. Children with autism often show intense focus on specific interests, like lining up toys or memorizing license plates. These passions can sometimes replace more typical play or communication.
Unusual Sensory Reactions
Some kids with autism are overly sensitive to lights, sounds, or textures. You might notice your child covering their ears at the sound of a vacuum or refusing certain clothes because of how they feel. According to the National Health Institute, over 96 percent of children with autism show sensory sensitivities.
Doesn’t Respond to Their Name
By around 9 months, most babies turn their head when they hear their name. If your child consistently doesn’t respond, it could signal something more than just distraction. Some parents even worry their child is hard-of-hearing. But in many cases, hearing tests come back normal, and the issue is about social connection, not sound.
Lacks Gestures Like Pointing or Waving
Pointing, waving goodbye, and nodding are part of how babies and toddlers communicate before they talk. If your child doesn’t use gestures or doesn’t understand them from others, that’s worth paying attention to. Children who lack the ability to gesticulate by age one are more likely to receive an autism diagnosis.
Rigid Routines and Resistance to Change
If your child insists on eating the same food every day, or melts down when the routine is off by five minutes, this might go beyond regular toddler stubbornness. Children with autism often prefer sameness and can become extremely upset by even small changes to their daily routine.
Repetitive Movements Like Flapping or Rocking
Many kids fidget, but repetitive movements like hand-flapping, spinning in circles, or rocking for long periods may be a sign. These movements, known as “stimming,” often help children with autism self-regulate or express excitement, stress, or confusion in a world that can feel overwhelming.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
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I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
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We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
