Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers: What Parents Should Know

As a parent, it's natural to pay close attention to your child's growth and development. Every child develops at their own pace, but there are times when you may notice differences in how your toddler communicates, plays, or interacts with others.

Recognizing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can help families seek an evaluation and access supportive services if needed. While noticing one or two traits does not necessarily mean a child has autism, understanding common developmental differences can help you make informed decisions about your child's next steps.

At Maryland Behavior, we work with families throughout Maryland to provide individualized ABA therapy for children with autism. This guide explains some of the early signs parents may observe and when it may be appropriate to speak with a healthcare professional.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and experiences the world around them. Autism is called a "spectrum" because every child has unique strengths, challenges, and support needs.

Some children show signs of autism during infancy or toddlerhood, while others may not be identified until later. Early recognition allows families to better understand their child's needs and explore available evaluations and services.

When Can Early Signs of Autism Appear?

Some developmental differences may become noticeable between 12 and 24 months of age, although every child develops differently.

Parents are often the first to notice changes in their child's behavior, communication, or play skills. Trusting your observations and discussing concerns with your child's pediatrician can be an important first step.

Common Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers

Children with autism may display a variety of behaviors, and no two children are exactly alike. The following are examples of signs that may warrant further discussion with a healthcare provider.

Communication Differences

A toddler may:

• Use fewer words than expected for their age
• Take longer to start talking or learning language skills
• Not often point to show things they like or find interesting
• Not always respond when their name is called
• Repeat words or phrases without using them to communicate with others
• Have trouble letting others know what they want or need

Communication differences vary from child to child and should always be considered alongside overall development.

Social Interaction Differences

A toddler may:

• Make limited eye contact
• Show less interest in playing with others
• Prefer playing alone much of the time
• Smile less during social interactions
• Have difficulty sharing enjoyment or interests with caregivers
• Show limited back-and-forth interaction during play

Some toddlers are naturally shy, so these behaviors alone do not confirm autism. A developmental evaluation considers many factors together.

Repetitive Behaviors and Interests

Some toddlers may:

• Repeat certain movements such as hand flapping or rocking
• Line up toys repeatedly
• Become very focused on specific objects
• Prefer routines and become upset by unexpected changes
• Repeat the same play activities over and over

These behaviors may occur for many reasons, but when they occur consistently over time, they may be important to discuss during an autism evaluation.

Sensory Differences

Toddlers with autism may experience the world differently through their senses.

Examples include:

• Becoming overwhelmed by loud sounds
• Strong reactions to certain textures or clothing
• Avoiding particular foods because of texture
• Seeking movement, spinning, or jumping
• Fascination with lights or moving objects

Sensory preferences differ for every child and are one part of a comprehensive developmental assessment.

Play and Learning Differences

During play, some toddlers may:

• Show limited pretend play
• Prefer repetitive activities
• Have difficulty imitating others
• Focus on parts of toys instead of using them as intended
• Have limited interest in interactive games like peekaboo

Play skills provide important information about a child's development and are often considered during evaluations.

Developmental Milestones Matter

Children reach developmental milestones at different times, but consistent delays in communication, social interaction, or play may be worth discussing with your pediatrician.

Rather than comparing your child to others, pay attention to whether they are continuing to gain new skills over time.

If you notice developmental concerns, your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate screening or evaluation.

What Should Parents Do If They Notice These Signs?

If you have concerns about your child's development, consider these next steps:

Talk With Your Pediatrician: Your child's pediatrician can review developmental milestones, discuss your concerns, and determine whether additional screening or referrals are appropriate.

Request a Developmental Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation can provide more information about your child's strengths, challenges, and developmental needs.

Learn About Early Intervention Services: If your child is found to need additional support, early intervention services may help build communication, social, and daily living skills during important developmental years.

How ABA Therapy May Help Children with Autism

For children diagnosed with autism, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach that focuses on building meaningful everyday skills.

ABA therapy programs are individualized and may support:

• Communication skills
• Social interaction
• Daily living skills
• Play skills
• Adaptive behavior
• Independence

Treatment goals are developed based on each child's unique strengths and needs and are supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every speech delay mean a child has autism? No. Speech delays can occur for many reasons. Only a qualified healthcare professional can determine whether additional evaluation is recommended.

What age can autism be identified? Some children show signs during toddlerhood, while others are identified later. Developmental screening and comprehensive evaluations help determine whether autism or another developmental difference may be present.

Should I wait to see if my child "catches up"? If you have concerns about your child's development, it's generally a good idea to discuss them with your pediatrician. They can recommend whether additional screening or evaluation is appropriate.

Can ABA therapy help toddlers with autism? For children who have been diagnosed with autism, ABA therapy can help develop communication, social, adaptive, and daily living skills through individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.

Supporting Your Child Starts With Understanding Their Needs

Every child develops differently, and noticing developmental differences does not automatically mean a child has autism. However, paying attention to early signs and seeking professional guidance when concerns arise can help families better understand their child's needs.

If your child has been diagnosed with autism or you're exploring what services may be appropriate after an evaluation, Maryland Behavior provides individualized ABA therapy programs for children throughout Maryland.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're looking for guidance after an autism diagnosis or want to learn more about ABA therapy, our team is here to help.

Whether you have questions about the assessment process, insurance coverage, or in-home ABA therapy, we're happy to provide information and help you understand your options.

Call Maryland Behavior or fill out the form below to speak with our team and learn how personalized ABA therapy can support your child's development. 

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