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Little Champs ABA > Blog > How to Identify the Signs of Autism in Children for Early Intervention

How to Identify the Signs of Autism in Children for Early Intervention

Autistic girl wearing a makeshift cardboard airplane and goggles.

Every parent knows their child best, and when something feels “off,” it’s worth exploring. I recall a father who noticed that his son didn’t point to things or wave goodbye like other kids his age. His pediatrician initially said, “Let’s wait and see,” but the father pushed for an autism screening. That early intervention gave him the support he needed at a critical time.

If you’ve ever wondered about your child’s development, this guide will help you understand the early signs of autism in children.

Understanding Autism

What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, behaves, and interacts with the world.

In my experience, understanding autism is not about labeling—it’s about recognizing the unique strengths and challenges each child has. Common characteristics of autism include difficulty with social interactions, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors. While there is no “cure,” early identification and intervention can make a profound difference in helping children navigate their world more effectively.

Prevalence and Impact

Autism is more common than many people realize, and the numbers continue to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD. Here’s how prevalence rates have changed over the years:

Year Estimated Prevalence
2016 1 in 68
2018 1 in 59
2020 1 in 54
2023 1 in 44

This increase isn’t necessarily because autism is more widespread—it’s likely due to better awareness, improved diagnostic methods, and more open conversations about neurodiversity.

However, autism doesn’t just affect the child—it impacts the whole family. Parents often face challenges accessing support, managing behaviors, and planning for their child’s future. That’s why recognizing the early signs of autism is so important—it allows families to seek support and resources as early as possible.

Early Signs of Autism in Children

Recognizing early signs can lead to timely intervention, which is often life-changing. Autism can present in different ways, but two key areas to watch are social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.

Social Communication Challenges

Children with autism often have difficulty with social interactions. Here are some behaviors parents might notice:

  • Limited eye contact or lack of shared gaze. Instead of looking at you while playing or talking, they might seem uninterested in making eye contact.
  • Difficulty understanding or expressing emotions. They might not react as expected to happy, sad, or excited tones.
  • Challenges with back-and-forth conversation. They may repeat phrases instead of responding naturally or struggle to keep a conversation going.
  • Preference for solitary play. While other kids engage in group activities, they might prefer playing alone.
  • Difficulty understanding social cues. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language might not come naturally to them.

Not every child with autism struggles in all these areas, but if you notice multiple signs, it might be worth seeking an evaluation.

Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests

Many children with autism show repetitive behaviors or fixations on specific topics. Here are some common ones:

  • Repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects.
  • Strong attachment to routines. Any disruption in routine can lead to distress.
  • Intense focus on specific interests. Some children become deeply interested in one subject (trains, numbers, dinosaurs) to the exclusion of everything else.
  • Unusual reactions to sensory input. They may be overly sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures—or they may seek out intense sensory experiences like spinning or deep pressure.

Recognizing these behaviors can help parents seek appropriate support and resources early on. The earlier children receive guidance, the better they can develop coping strategies and social skills.

Developmental Milestones & Red Flags

Children typically reach milestones in their own time, but when delays occur, it’s important to take note. Below are key developmental milestones for children ages 0 to 3 years and possible red flags that could indicate autism.

Typical Developmental Milestones

Age Range Milestone Description
0 to 6 months Smiles, responds to sounds, makes eye contact
6 to 12 months Babbles, reacts to name, shows preference for toys
12 to 18 months Says a few words, understands simple commands, points to objects
18 to 24 months Has a vocabulary of 50+ words, imitates speech, starts combining words
2 to 3 years Uses 200+ words, engages in simple conversations, plays with peers

Red Flags to Watch For

Age Range Potential Concern
0 to 6 months Lack of eye contact, no social smiling
6 to 12 months No babbling, doesn’t respond to their name
12 to 18 months Doesn’t use gestures (pointing, waving), no single words by 16 months
18 to 24 months No two-word phrases, loss of speech or social skills
2 to 3 years Limited interest in interactive play, unusual attachment to objects

If a child is missing multiple milestones or displaying red flags, it’s a good idea to talk with a pediatrician or developmental specialist.

Diagnosing Autism: What to Expect

Diagnosing autism isn’t a quick process—it involves careful observation, standardized assessments, and input from multiple professionals.

The Diagnostic Process

The journey often begins with developmental screenings at routine pediatric visits. If concerns arise, parents may be referred for a comprehensive evaluation, which typically includes:

  • Observations of behavior in different settings.
  • Parent interviews about developmental history.
  • Standardized tests assessing communication, motor skills, and behavior.

Who’s Involved in Diagnosis?

  • Pediatricians – Often the first to identify concerns.
  • Child Psychologists – Assess social behaviors, cognition, and emotional responses.
  • Speech-Language Pathologists – Evaluate communication skills and delays.
  • Occupational Therapists – Examine sensory processing and motor skills.

A team-based approach ensures that all aspects of the child’s development are considered when forming a diagnosis.

Support & Intervention: What Comes Next?

If a child is diagnosed with autism, early intervention is key. Research shows that therapies started before age 3 to 5 years significantly improve social and communication skills.

Therapies That Help

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Uses positive reinforcement to build communication and social skills.
  • Speech Therapy: Improves language development and communication strategies.
  • Occupational Therapy: Helps with fine motor skills and daily living tasks.
  • Social Skills Training: Teaches children how to engage with peers and navigate social situations.

Parental Support Matters

Raising a child with autism can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I always recommend:

  • Finding a support group – Connecting with other parents can be invaluable.
  • Building structure at home – Predictable routines help children feel secure.
  • Learning as much as possible – The more you know, the better you can advocate for your child.

Conclusion

Recognizing early signs of autism is the first step in helping a child get the support they need. If you have concerns, don’t wait—trust your instincts and seek guidance from a professional. 

Early support can make a world of difference, and at Little Champs ABA, we’re here to help. Our dedicated ABA therapists provide personalized, evidence-based strategies to help children with autism build essential skills and thrive. 

Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future for your child.

FAQs

What are the first signs of autism in children?

Early signs often include limited eye contact, delayed speech, repetitive movements, lack of interest in social play, and unusual sensory reactions.

At what age can autism be diagnosed?

Autism can often be detected as early as 18 months, but a reliable diagnosis is typically made by age 2-3 through developmental screenings and evaluations.

How can early intervention help children with autism?

Early intervention, such as ABA therapy, helps develop communication, social, and behavioral skills, significantly improving long-term outcomes for children with autism.

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