Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. It is important to recognize the signs of autism early so that children can receive the appropriate interventions and support they need. In this blog, we will discuss the signs of autism and what they may look like in children. By understanding these signs, parents and caregivers can help identify and support children who may be on the autism spectrum.
Comprehensive List of Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to Look Out For
Understanding the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) early can make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families. It’s important to recognize these signs not as limitations but as signals for where support and understanding are needed, helping each child to flourish in their unique way. Here’s a comprehensive list to guide parents and educators:
- Limited eye contact
- Delayed speech and language skills
- Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
- Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
- Established routines that seem almost ritualistic
- Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, or colors
- Preference for solitary play rather than engaging with other children
- Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
- Remaining nonverbal or minimal verbal communication
- Frequent echolalia (repeating words or phrases over and over)
- Physical overactivity or extreme passivity
- Acting without a sense of danger
- Uneven motor skills (e.g., difficulty catching a ball but can complete detailed puzzles)
- Specific, narrow interests or hobbies
- Exceptional skills or talent in specific areas
- Difficulty maintaining conversation
- Using odd or unusual phrases
- Inflexibility related to routines or behaviors
- Challenges in making friends or interacting socially
- Inappropriate social interactions
- Sensitivity to sensory experiences
- Difficulty with executive functioning skills, including organizing and planning
- Misinterpreting social cues or norms
- Frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns
- Difficulty transitioning between activities
- Using gestures instead of words or mimicking rather than generating original language
- Challenges with cause and effect reasoning
- Lining up toys or other objects and getting upset if order is disrupted
- Preoccupation with parts of objects
A Supportive Note on Early Signs Recognition:
Please consider that many children might occasionally show some of the above signs. This doesn’t mean they are on the autism spectrum. Autism is generally characterized by a certain intensity and consistency in these behaviors, which is different from typical developmental phases. If you notice a recurring pattern or a combination of these signs and it concerns you, consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in ASD.
Early assessment and intervention can be profoundly beneficial. It supports not just the child but the entire family, offering tools and strategies to enhance communication, learning, and overall well-being.
Each child with autism brings a unique set of skills and challenges to the world. Identifying early signs helps us tailor the support to each child’s needs, nurturing their strengths and providing support where it’s needed the most. Remember, recognizing these signs is the first step towards understanding, acceptance, and action, fostering a nurturing environment where all children can succeed. Let’s celebrate every child’s achievements as we work together towards an inclusive and supportive community.
Top 10 Signs of Autism
The CDC lists the following as the top 10 signs of autism:
- No babbling or pointing by age 1.
- No single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by age 2.
- No response to name.
- Loss of language or social skills.
- Poor eye contact.
- Excessive lining up of toys or objects.
- No smiling or social responsiveness.
- Impaired use of nonverbal communication.
- Unusual intense or focused interests.
- Unusual sensory interests or sensitivities.
It is important to note that these signs may not necessarily indicate autism on their own, and a professional evaluation is required for diagnosis.
Top 10 Signs of Autism in One-Year-Old
The top 10 indicators of autism in babies by one year old are:
- Lack of eye contact
- No babbling, pointing, or use of other gestures by 12 months
- No use of single words by age 16 months
- No use of two-word phrases by 24 months
- Repetitive movements, such as hand flapping or spinning
- Intense interest in certain topics
- Unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
- Delayed language skills
- Not showing signs of smiling by 6 months
- Having a regression in development, with loss of language or social skills
Top 10 Signs of Autism in Two Year Olds
The top 10 autism signs in babies by two years old are:
- Delayed speech development or lack of speech
- Lack of interest in social interaction or play with others
- Poor eye contact
- Repetitive behavior or routines
- Unusual reactions to sensory stimuli (e.g. certain sounds, textures or smells)
- Difficulty understanding and following simple instructions
- Failure to imitate others
- Lack of emotional expression or difficulty expressing emotions
- Limited interest in imaginative play
- Unusual attachment to objects (e.g. obsessively carrying around a specific toy)
Top 10 Autism Signs in Three Year Olds
The top 10 indicators of autism in babies by three years of age are:
- Lack of eye contact
- No response to their name
- Social detachment
- Repetitive movements such as rocking, spinning or hand flapping
- High sensitivity to sounds, tastes, textures, lights or colors
- Not seeming to be sensitive to pain or temperature
- Little or no desire to be picked up or held
- Impulsivity and aggression
- Persistent, severe temper tantrums
- Irregular reaction to sounds, smells, etc.
Use Screening Tools
There are several checklists available to screen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is recommended for initial screening in children up to 30 months of age. This two-part screen consists of a 20-item parent-completed checklist with yes/no questions about early signs of ASD, followed by a staff-completed structured interview that is only necessary for indeterminate scores. A total score is generated based on the number of items that are flagged. Children with persistent deficits on M-CHAT Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) require further evaluation.
Another screening tool that can be utilized is the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT). This interactive tool is designed for children when developmental concerns are suspected. It consists of 12 activities assessing play, communication, and imitation skills, and takes 20 minutes to administer.
It is important to note that while these checklists can be helpful in identifying early signs of ASD, a diagnosis of ASD should only be made by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, or child psychiatrist, who can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s development.