Does My Child Have Autism? Early Signs Every Parent Should Know

As a parent, you’re always watching for and celebrating those little moments of growth in your child’s life, like their first word or those tiny waddling first steps. But sometimes, you might notice behaviors that make you pause, wondering if there’s something different about your child. Could it be early signs of autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects about 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the CDC, and early detection is critical for ensuring better educational and quality of life outcomes. Spotting autism signs in children early can lead to interventions that significantly improve your child’s communication, social skills, and overall development.

Below, we’ll explore the early warning signs of autism, why they matter, and how Scottsdale PBS can help your family navigate this journey with confidence and compassion.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is a developmental disorder that impacts how a child communicates, interacts socially, and behaves. It’s called a spectrum because symptoms can vary widely in type, how they display, and severity. Some children may struggle with speech, while others might have intense interests or repetitive behaviors. The CDC emphasizes that autism can often be identified by age 2, but signs may appear as early as 12 months. Early interventions, like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, are most effective when started young, often leading to significant gains in language learning and independence.

Knowing what to look for in developmental milestones can make the difference that empowers you to act quickly, and Scottsdale PBS offers expert diagnostic assessments for children to provide clarity and support.

Early Warning Signs of Autism

Recognizing early autism signs parents should watch out for is the first step toward getting help. These signs often appear in the first three years of life and can affect social, communication, and behavioral skills. Below, we’ve outlined key red flags by age, based on CDC guidelines, to help you understand what to watch for.

Autism Signs at 12 Months

At this age, your kids are just starting to engage with the world. Look out for these signs that may need to be monitored:

• Limited Social Responses: Your child might not turn when you call their name, or show little interest in faces or speaking voices, even though they respond to other sounds. For example, a 1-year-old might ignore “Look!” but react to a loud clap.
• No Babbling or Gestures: They may not point, wave bye-bye, or reach for objects. An infant might stare at a toy across the room but not point to show interest. These early communication attempts are typical by 12 months.
• Avoiding Eye Contact: They rarely look you in the eye, even during feeding. For instance, a baby might focus on their bottle but not your face while being held.

If your 12-month-old shows these behaviors consistently, it’s worth discussing with an expert. Early action can make a big difference.

Autism Signs at 18 Months

By 18 months, social and communication skills start to grow. Watch for these red flags:

• Few or No Words: Most toddlers say several words by now, like “mama” or “dog.” In some cases, a child with autism might be silent most of the time or only make sounds, like grunting, instead of using words. A lack of spoken words or not associating words with objects could signal a delay.
• Limited Social Engagement: Other early autism signs in toddlers might look like not showing toys to others or not enjoying simple games like peek-a-boo. This can indicate challenges with social connection.
• Unusual Reactions: Autism in toddlers may cause over sensitivity to sounds, textures, or lights; or conversely, make them seem unbothered by things like loud noises that typically startle others or not react to pain, like not crying after a fall.

These signs don’t mean your child has autism, but they suggest a need for further evaluation. Scottsdale PBS can provide thorough diagnostic assessments for autism and other disorders to guide you.

Autism Signs at 24 Months for Toddlers

At age 2, your toddler should become more interactive. Some of the top concerns include:

• No Two-Word Phrases: Most toddlers combine words, like “want juice,” by this age. It may be time for an autism assessment if your child only uses single words or echoes phrases without meaning, like repeating “go outside” without wanting to.
• Loss of Skills: If your child stops using words, gestures, or social behaviors they once had mastered, this regression could be a red flag.
• Repetitive Behaviors: One of the most common signs of autism in toddlers is repeating actions. For example, a child might repeat actions, like lining up cars in a specific order repeatedly, or fixate on parts of objects, like spinning a toy’s wheels for long periods of time.

If these behaviors persist, a professional evaluation is crucial to understanding your child’s needs and providing the right intervention. Scottsdale PBS offers reliable ABA therapy for toddlers in Scottsdale Arizona to address these challenges early.

Autism Signs at 3 Years

By age 3, children are more expressive and social. Watch for:

• Difficulty with Play: Your child may not engage in pretend play, like pretending to feed a doll, or may prefer solitary play. They might stack blocks alone for example, ignoring peers who try to play.
• Limited Speech: They might struggle to form short sentences or be hard to understand, unlike most 3-year-olds who use 200-300 words by this stage of development. A child with autism might struggle to form sentences or repeat phrases without context, like saying “big truck” randomly.
• Unusual Interests or Behaviors: They might show intense focus on specific objects, like only playing with toy trains, or repeat movements, like flapping hands when excited.

These signs, especially when combined, warrant a closer look. Early intervention can transform outcomes for children with autism, and Scottsdale PBS is here to help.

Why an Early Autism Assessment Matter

Spotting these signs early isn’t just about getting a diagnosis; it’s about opening doors to support. Research shows that children who start interventions like ABA therapy before age 5 often see significant improvements in communication, social skills, and behavior compared to children who don’t. Early detection allows you to connect with therapies tailored to your child’s needs, such as speech or occupational therapy, which can build skills for school and beyond. Delaying action might mean missing a critical window for development. Scottsdale PBS specializes in diagnostic assessments for children, offering clear answers and personalized plans to set your child up for success.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs in Your Children

If you’re seeing early autism signs in your child, don’t panic, but don’t wait either. Here’s how to take action:

• Talk to Your Pediatrician: Share your observations and request a developmental screening. Be specific about behaviors, like avoiding eye contact or not speaking.
• Seek a Specialist Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment by a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or autism specialist can confirm or rule out autism. This may include observations, interviews, and standardized tests like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
• Explore Early Intervention: If diagnosed, therapies like ABA, speech, or occupational therapy can start immediately. Scottsdale PBS provides reliable ABA therapy for toddlers in Scottsdale, AZ designed to meet your child’s unique needs.
• Stay Informed and Involved: Learn about autism and your child’s strengths. Your insights as a parent are vital to the diagnostic and treatment process.

Acting quickly ensures your child gets the support they need when it matters most.

Scottsdale PBS Can Help

At Scottsdale PBS, we understand how overwhelming it can be to wonder if your child has autism. We have the knowledge and medical training to give you clarity. Our team of experienced clinicians uses evidence-based tools to evaluate your child’s development, focusing on their strengths and challenges. If autism is diagnosed, we provide personalized ABA therapy, speech therapy, and other interventions to support your child’s growth. Our 17,000 sq. foot state-of-the-art facility is designed to feel like home, creating a warm, welcoming environment for your family. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from initial concerns to tailored treatment plans.

If you’re noticing early autism signs in your child, don’t wait to seek answers. Early diagnosis can unlock life-changing support, giving your child the tools to thrive. Contact Scottsdale PBS today for expert diagnostic assessments and personalized ABA therapy. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping your family build a brighter future. Reach out now to take the first step!