Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers

Many parents notice small developmental differences before a formal autism diagnosis is ever made. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often becomes noticeable during toddlerhood, particularly as children begin developing language, social interaction, and play skills. However, early signs of autism can appear at different ages, so monitoring a child's development is important for timely support.

Recognizing the early signs of autism can help families seek evaluations and therapy services sooner, which can lead to stronger developmental outcomes and improve a child's quality of life.

For families in the Chicago area, understanding early autism indicators is often the first step toward finding the right support for their child.

When Do Autism Signs Typically Appear?

Autism signs may appear as early as 12 to 18 months of age, though some children may show developmental differences earlier or later.

The behaviors listed below are examples of early signs that may indicate autism spectrum disorder (ASD):

• Not meeting expected communication milestones, including language delays, which are a common early sign
• Interacting differently with people or peers
• Preferring repetitive play patterns
• Having strong reactions to sensory experiences

While every child develops at their own pace, consistent developmental differences may indicate that further evaluation could be helpful.

The process often begins when parents notice these early signs, which may lead to diagnosing autism through a professional evaluation and observation by healthcare providers.

Developmental Milestones

Tracking developmental milestones is a key part of understanding your child’s development and recognizing early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These milestones are age-specific skills or behaviors that most children achieve as they grow, such as making eye contact, using gestures, or responding to their name.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for autism spectrum disorder at both 18 and 24 months of age, as this is when many early signs of autism may become noticeable.

During these screenings, your child’s doctor will look for important markers in areas such as social communication, nonverbal communication, and the presence of repetitive behaviors. For example, they may observe how your child interacts with others, whether they use gestures like waving or pointing, and whether they show restricted or repetitive behaviors commonly associated with autism.

Recognizing differences in developmental milestones can help families and professionals identify signs of autism early, allowing for timely autism diagnosis and access to early intervention services.

Research shows that early support can make a significant difference in the lives of autistic children, helping them build new skills and improve developmental outcomes as they grow.

Monitoring your child’s progress and discussing any concerns with your pediatrician is an important step in supporting their unique developmental journey.

Early Communication Signs of Autism

Communication delays are one of the most common early indicators of autism.

Some toddlers with autism may:

• Say few or no words by 18 months, or show delays in developing spoken language
• Stop using words they previously learned
• Struggle to imitate sounds or gestures
• Have difficulty pointing to objects to share interest

Difficulties with joint attention, such as not pointing to share interest or not following another person's gaze, are also early signs of autism.

Children may also show limited response to their name or difficulty following simple directions.

Speech and communication challenges can vary widely among autistic children, which is why early evaluations are important for understanding each child’s unique developmental profile.

Social Interaction Differences

Another common early sign of autism involves differences in social interaction.

Toddlers with autism may:

• Avoid or limit eye contact
• Show little interest in playing with others
• Have difficulty sharing attention with caregivers
• Struggle with back-and-forth play

For example, many toddlers enjoy showing objects to parents or pointing to interesting things. Children with autism may not naturally seek this type of shared interaction.

Difficulties with pretend play, such as not engaging in make-believe games or imitating adult actions, can also be an early sign of autism.

These early social differences can sometimes be subtle, but they may become more noticeable as children grow.

It is also important to respect the perspectives and language preferences of the autistic community when discussing social differences and early signs of autism.

Repetitive Behaviors and Routines

Repetitive behaviors, often referred to as restricted and repetitive behaviors, are another characteristic commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Toddlers may:

• Repeat certain movements such as hand flapping or rocking
• Line up toys or objects
• Become upset when routines change
• Focus intensely on specific interests

These behaviors may provide comfort, predictability, or sensory input for children with autism.

Sensory Sensitivities

Many autistic children experience sensory differences. This means they may be more sensitive to certain sounds, textures, lights, or other types of sensory input.

For example, a child may:

• Cover their ears during loud noises
• Avoid certain clothing textures
• Seek strong sensory experiences like spinning or jumping
• Become overwhelmed in busy environments

Sensory sensitivities are common in children with autism and can influence how they experience daily environments.

Occupational therapists often help children develop strategies for managing sensory input and improving sensory regulation.

When Should Parents Seek an Evaluation?

If parents notice consistent developmental differences, a professional evaluation can provide helpful guidance.

Early evaluations may be recommended if a toddler:

• Is not speaking by 18 months
• Shows limited social interaction
• Stops using previously learned skills
• Struggles with eye contact or communication

Evaluations help determine whether developmental differences are related to autism or another developmental delay.

Autism evaluations may include standardized tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), which is administered by trained professionals to observe communication, social interaction, and behavior.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or other developmental specialists may also be involved in the assessment and therapy planning process.

Early identification allows families to begin therapy services that support communication, social development, and learning.

Therapy Support for Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autistic children often benefit from therapy services that support multiple areas of development. A comprehensive autism program offers individualized care, with personalized treatment plans developed by a team of specialists to guide each child's progress.

Common therapies include:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy)
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy

Some therapy services are available in center-based settings, providing structured environments where children can receive focused support.

These therapies work together to support communication skills, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence.

Autism Therapy in the Chicago Suburbs

Families seeking autism therapy in the Chicago suburbs often look for providers that offer multiple therapy services in one location.

Gracent Pediatric Therapy provides autism therapy services designed to support children across several Illinois communities, including:

• Naperville
• Elmhurst
• Wheaton
• Woodridge

Our multidisciplinary teams collaborate to create personalized therapy plans that help children build meaningful developmental skills. Contact us today to get started with pediatric therapy for your child.