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Recognizing Early Signs of Autism in Children

​As a parent, it is natural to wonder about your child’s development. One common concern is recognizing the signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, behavior, and learning. Because it is a spectrum, each child may show different signs and at different levels of severity.

Research proves that some signs may appear in the first year, though they’re often clearer by age two. While parents may notice concerns early, many diagnoses happen around age four or later. Early recognition helps families access support sooner

Some Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers

​​Does not respond to their name by 12 months: May ignore or inconsistently respond when called.

Limited social interaction: Difficulty engaging in back-and-forth play or recognizing others’ emotions.

Avoids eye contact or prefers being alone: May find eye contact overstimulating and withdraw socially.

Delayed speech or language: May have limited words, trouble forming sentences, or difficulty understanding language.

Repetitive behaviors or strong interests: Fixates on certain topics, toys, or routines.

Lack of imitation: Difficulty mimicking facial expressions, gestures, or sounds.

Prefers objects over people: Shows more interest in inanimate objects than faces.

Passive temperament: Appears aloof, overly shy, or unresponsive to social interaction.

​​​​Extreme reactions to change: May become very upset by small or unexpected changes in routine or environment.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs

If your toddler shows several of these signs, talk to your pediatrician. Screening tools such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) or the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) can help identify concerns. A specialist, such as a pediatric neurologist or child psychiatrist, may recommend a full evaluation.

You can also review the CDC developmental milestones for additional guidance. Early identification is key to getting support and helping your child build important developmental skills.

How BehaviorALL ABA Therapy Can Help

The most effective evidence-based treatment for children with ASD is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA focuses on developing communication, social, and learning skills while reducing challenging behaviors. Early intervention has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for children with autism.

At BehaviorALL, we provide individualized ABA therapy programs tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our mission is to support your child’s growth, strengthen their skills, and empower families through compassionate, evidence-based care.

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