When do early signs of autism appear?
If a child is autistic, early signs of autism usually become noticeable during the first 1-2 years of life.
These signs can continue into the preschool years. They can also change in these years or become clearer as conversation and play become more complex and challenging for autistic children.
What are the early signs of autism in babies, toddlers and preschoolers?
The early signs of autism are:
- differences in social attention, interaction and communication
- differences in engagement with others
- strong interests and differences in play
- strong preference for routines and sameness
- differences in body movements
- differences in sensory experiences, preferences and sensitivities.
Some children have many early signs, whereas others have only a few. The number of signs can vary according to children’s ages and stages of development.
Differences in social attention, interaction and communication
Early signs in babies and toddlers (1-2 years)
Autistic babies and toddlers might not or might only sometimes:
- use eye contact to get your attention or share their interest – for example, they might not look at you and then at a snack to show you they want it
- point to or hold up objects to show you – for example, they might not point to a dog and look back at you to make sure you’ve seen it too
- respond to their name – for example, they might not turn and look at you when you say their name
- use gestures to communicate – for example, they might not wave bye-bye without being asked to
- babble in a way that sounds like they’re having a conversation with you
- follow simple, one-step instructions – for example, ‘Give me the block’.
Signs in preschoolers (3-5 years)
Autistic preschoolers might not or might only sometimes:
- share attention and interest with you – for example, they might not point out something they’ve seen and look towards you to share the experience
- use a variety of gestures to communicate – for example, they might not shrug to show they don’t know or hold their hands apart to show how big something is
- have back-and-forth conversations – for example, they might not respond to what you say and add something of their own
- use sentences to communicate their needs and experiences – for example, ‘I want to play outside’
- understand 2-part instructions – for example, ‘Give me the ball, and then put the doll on the chair’.
Signs in autistic children who use spoken language
These children might also:
- repeat words or phrases – for example, they might say the same phrases from a favourite TV show many times
- use a distinctive tone, rhythm or volume when speaking – for example, they might speak very loudly or quietly
- use ‘you’ and ‘I’ differently – for example, they might say, ‘You want a drink’, when they mean ‘I want a drink’.
Differences in engagement with others
Early signs in babies and toddlers (1-2 years)
Autistic babies and toddlers might not or might only sometimes:
- show interest in other children – for example, they might not look towards others or try to get their attention
- start familiar social games like peekaboo
- smile back at you or other familiar people when you smile at them
- copy other people’s actions, like combing their hair when you comb yours.
Signs in preschoolers (3-5 years)
Autistic preschoolers might not or might only sometimes:
- start interactions with other children or adults – for example, they might not ask another child to play with them
- respond when other people try to interact with them – for example, they might not join in when another child asks them to play
- share enjoyment during an activity – for example, they might not look at you and smile when something funny happens in a game.
Strong interests and differences in play
Early signs in babies and toddlers (1-2 years)
Autistic babies and toddlers might:
- have strong interests in particular objects or toys – for example, they might choose to play mostly with cars or dolls
- enjoy repeating the same actions during play – for example, they might spin the wheels of a toy car repeatedly
- enjoy arranging toys and objects – for example, sorting them into piles
- not or only sometimes do pretend play – for example, they might not pretend to feed a teddy bear.
Signs in preschoolers (3-5 years)
Like autistic babies and toddlers, autistic preschoolers might have strong interests in particular toys or objects and enjoy repeating the same actions during play.
Examples of these signs in preschoolers include:
- taking the clothes on and off a doll repeatedly
- lining up objects.
Also, autistic preschoolers might:
- not or only sometimes do complex pretend play – for example, they might not make dolls or action figures talk to each other or go on an adventure
- prefer familiar pretend play and find it hard to be flexible – for example, they might keep acting out the same scene and get upset if someone changes a character’s role.
Strong preference for routines and sameness
Early signs in babies and toddlers (1-2 years)
Autistic babies and toddlers might:
- strongly prefer certain activities – for example, they might want to hear the same song over and over and get upset if it stops
- strongly prefer familiar routines and find changes upsetting – for example, they might get upset if their bedtime routine changes.
Signs in preschoolers (3-5 years)
Like autistic babies and toddlers, autistic preschoolers might strongly prefer certain activities or routines and find change upsetting.
Examples of these signs in preschoolers include:
- wanting to watch the same TV show over and over and getting upset if they can’t watch it
- needing to follow the same route to child care.
Differences in body movements
Early signs in babies and toddlers (1-2 years)
Autistic babies and toddlers might:
- repeat body movements – for example, they might rock their body
- move or hold their bodies in particular ways – for example, they might arch their back when you hold them.
Signs in preschoolers (3-5 years)
Like autistic babies and toddlers, autistic preschoolers might move their bodies in particular ways.
Examples of these signs in preschoolers include:
- flapping their hands or arms
- spinning on the spot
- walking on the tips of their toes
- repeatedly clenching their fists.
Differences in sensory experiences, preferences and sensitivities
Early signs in babies and toddlers (1-2 years)
Autistic babies and toddlers might:
- be sensitive to lights, sounds or other sensations – for example, they might be upset by loud noises or bright lights
- strongly prefer certain textures, colours or other sensations – for example, they might eat only foods with certain textures
- seek out sensations – for example, they might rub objects on their lips or face.
Signs in preschoolers (3-5 years)
Like autistic babies and toddlers, autistic preschoolers might be sensitive to everyday sensations, strongly prefer certain sensations and seek out sensations. They might also look at objects in particular ways.
Examples of these signs in preschoolers include:
- covering their ears or getting upset when a vacuum cleaner starts
- not wanting different foods to touch each other on their plate
- preferring clothes that feel a particular way
- feeling particular surfaces
- holding toys very close to their face to look at them
- looking at toys sideways.
If you want to check your child’s behaviour and development for early signs of autism, you can download ASDetect. This free, evidence-based app is developed by La Trobe University and suitable for use with children aged 11-30 months.
What to do if you notice signs of autism in your baby, toddler or preschooler
If you notice any of the signs above in your young child, it’s best to act early.
Step 1: See a health professional
Make an appointment with your child and family health nurse, your GP or a paediatrician.
Before the appointment, write down what you’ve noticed, including examples and when they happen. You can also note questions, comments or observations from your child’s early childhood educators or teachers.
Step 2: Get an assessment and diagnosis
Only a formal assessment and diagnosis will tell you whether your child is autistic.
Step 3: Look into early support
- Your child can get support from Thriving Kids – call the national phoneline on 1800 882 436.
- Your child might also be able to get services and supports through the NDIS – call 1800 800 110.
- You can get support for yourself from family and friends.
Read about the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, how to choose therapies and supports and individual therapies for autistic children.