# What are the early signs of autism in toddlers and young children? > The signs doctors look for, age by age, what's just normal variation, and what to do if you're worried. URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/early-signs-of-autism By The Autism Kit team · Reviewed by [BCBA NAME], BCBA · Updated 2026-09-27 **Short answer:** Early signs of autism usually show up in how a child communicates and plays: not responding to their name, not pointing to share things, few gestures or words, and repeating the same play or movements. Many children show a few of these. If several sound familiar, or your child loses skills, talk to your pediatrician. **Key takeaways** - Signs usually show up in **communication, play, routines and senses**. - **One sign alone doesn't mean autism.** Look for a pattern. - **Losing words or skills** at any age is a reason to call your doctor right away. - Pediatricians screen at **18 and 24 months**, but you can ask any time. ## What are the most common early signs? Doctors look at two main areas.[1] **Communication and connecting with people**, for example: - Doesn't respond to their name by about 9 months - Few facial expressions or shared smiles - Uses few gestures, like waving or pointing, by 12 to 18 months - Doesn't bring or show you things to share interest - Avoids or doesn't keep eye contact **Play, routines and senses**, for example: - Lines up toys and gets upset when the order changes - Plays with toys the same way every time, or focuses on parts (like spinning wheels) - Repeats words or phrases (called echolalia) - Gets very upset by small changes in routine - Flaps hands, rocks or spins - Reacts strongly to sounds, textures, tastes, smells or lights ## What signs show up at each age? These are examples the CDC lists. Every child is different, and missing one milestone doesn't mean autism.[1] | By about | A child may not yet... | Why it matters | | --- | --- | --- | | 9 months | Respond to their name or show facial expressions | Early social connection | | 12 months | Play back-and-forth games like peekaboo, or wave bye-bye | Shared attention and gestures | | 15 months | Show you things they like | Sharing interest with others | | 18 months | Point to show you something interesting | A key early communication skill | | 24 months | Notice when others are hurt or upset | Reading other people's feelings | | 36 months | Notice or join other children in play | Early friendships | | 48 months | Pretend, like playing chef or superhero | Imagination and play | **Call your child's doctor now if....** your child loses words, babbling or social skills they used to have, at any age. Loss of skills should always be checked. ## What's normal variation, and what's a pattern? Plenty of kids line up toys, love routines or talk late. That alone isn't autism. What matters is a **pattern** across areas: for example, few gestures **and** little shared play **and** strong upset when routines change. It also helps to notice **how** your child communicates. A child who doesn't talk yet but points, brings you toys and looks back at you to share excitement is communicating a lot. **Take short videos.** A 30-second clip of a hard moment, or of your child playing, shows your doctor more than a description can. ## Do older kids show different signs? Some autistic kids aren't identified until school age, especially children who talk well. Signs at 5 to 12 can include: - Finding friendships or group play hard, or preferring adults - Very intense interests in one topic - Taking words very literally, or missing jokes and sarcasm - Big reactions to noise, clothing tags or crowded places - Needing things done the same way, and struggling with transitions Some kids, often girls, copy their peers and seem fine at school, then fall apart at home. That's worth mentioning to your doctor too. ## What should I do if I notice signs? 1. **Write down examples.** What happened, where, and how often. Our free appointment notes sheet makes this easy. 2. **Talk to your pediatrician.** Ask for an autism screening. Pediatricians screen at 18 and 24 months, and can screen at any visit.[3] 3. **Ask about a full evaluation** if the screening or your gut says so. Screening doesn't diagnose; an evaluation does.[4] See [How is autism diagnosed in children?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/how-is-autism-diagnosed) 4. **Start support now.** Children under 3 can be evaluated for early intervention at no cost, and can get services without an autism diagnosis. See [How do I find an autism evaluation near me?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/finding-an-autism-evaluation) Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf) ## What can I try at home while I wait? You don't need a diagnosis to make the day easier. Picture routines and first-then boards help many young children, autistic or not. Start with the part of the day that's hardest right now. - [ ] Write down 3 specific examples - [ ] Book a pediatrician visit and ask for a screening - [ ] Try one picture routine for a week The [2-minute quiz](https://theautismkit.com/start) gives you one plan for your child's hardest part of the day, and a free printable to try tonight. ## Common questions ### Can you see signs of autism in a baby? Some signs, like not responding to their name by 9 months or few facial expressions, can appear in the first year. Most children are identified later, and your pediatrician will check at the 18- and 24-month visits. ### My child talks. Can they still be autistic? Yes. Many autistic kids talk, sometimes early. Differences may show up in back-and-forth conversation, play with other kids, or a strong need for routine. ### Do the signs look different in girls? They can. Some girls copy other kids or hide their differences, so signs are easier to miss. If you're unsure, share specific examples with your doctor. ## Sources 1. CDC: Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html 2. HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics): Early signs of autism spectrum disorder. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/Early-Signs-of-Autism-Spectrum-Disorders.aspx 3. CDC: Autism screening for healthcare providers. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/hcp/diagnosis/screening.html 4. CDC: Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/diagnosis/index.html General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.