The early signs of autism

Autism is often recognized late - sometimes only at school, when social and communication challenges become more apparent. But the signs are often there much earlier. As a therapist, I regularly see parents who say: "I knew something was different, but I couldn't put my finger on it."

The good news? The earlier you recognize these signs, the sooner you can support your child in a way that fits them.

Early signs (12-36 months)

Communication and Social Interaction:

• Limited eye contact: Especially during feeding, changing, or play

• No pointing: Around 12 months, most children point at interesting things to get your attention

• No imitation: No peek-a-boo, no waving, no clapping

• No social smile: Little spontaneous laughing at familiar faces

• Not recognizing their name: Doesn't respond when you call their name (while hearing is fine)

Play and Behavior:

• Limited varied play: For example, only lining up blocks in a row

• Intense focus on details: Hours of watching spinning wheels

• Unusual movements: Hand flapping, bouncing up and down, spinning

Signs in older children (3-6 years)

Communication:

• Echolalia: Literally repeating what you say instead of answering

• Formal language: Talking like a "little adult"

• Literal interpretation: "You're a sweetheart" becomes confusing

• One-way conversation: Talking a lot about their own interests but not listening to others

Social Challenges:

• Parallel play: Playing next to other children but not together

• Difficulty with friendships: Wants friends but doesn't know how

• Social rules: Doesn't understand unwritten rules (standing too close, interrupting)

Behavior and Routines:

• Rigidity: Great difficulty with changes in plans

• Rituals: Same route to school, same cup, same sequence

• Intense interests: Knowing everything about dinosaurs, trains, or a specific topic

Sensory signs (all ages)

Oversensitivity:

• Hands over ears with vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, or busy places

• Reluctant with certain clothing (labels, wool, tight clothing)

• Extremely picky eating (only white products, no mixed textures)

• Avoiding dirty hands, paint, clay

Undersensitivity:

• Seeking firm hugs, pressure

• Not noticing when they're hurt

• Talking very loudly or whispering

• Seeking movement: rocking, spinning, running

Important nuances

Not all signs need to be present. ASD is a spectrum - every child is different. Some children mainly struggle with social interaction, others primarily with sensory stimuli.

Girls are often recognized later because they can better "mask" their challenges or because their interests (horses, dolls) are less noticeable than those of boys.

Development can be uneven. Some children seem to regress in their development around 18-24 months, especially in language and social skills.

What to do when you recognize signs

• Document what you see: Note concrete examples of behavior

• Discuss your concerns: With your family doctor, pediatric clinic, or school

• Trust your instincts: You know your child best

• Don't seek diagnosis online: But do seek information to better understand

Remember

"Early recognition means early support - and that truly makes a difference."

It's not about putting your child in a box, but about understanding how their unique brain works, so you can give them the best support.

In the next blog, we'll discover why ASD is called a "spectrum" and how differently this can manifest.