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At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, we know every parent keeps a careful watch the developmental milestones their child reaches: the first smile, the first steps, the first words. But sometimes, development doesn't unfold as expected. If your child seems different from peers or misses certain milestones, trust your observations—early recognition can make a meaningful difference in your child’s long-term outcomes.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects about 1 in 36 children, yet many families don’t get a clear diagnosis until their child is 5 or 6. The reality is that autism can often be identified much sooner—sometimes as young as 12 to 18 months. Identifying signs early through a trusted provider like North Shore Pediatric Therapy opens up access to evidence-based interventions that can support your child’s communication, social, and behavioral skills during crucial years of development.
Understanding what to look for is empowering. With decades of experience, North Shore Pediatric Therapy and the Chicago Autism Testing Institute have guided countless families through this journey, offering expert evaluation and a compassionate, individualized approach. Below, we outline key early signs of autism and explain how attentive observation and prompt action can put your child on the best possible path.
Understanding How Autism Presents in Early Childhood
Autism involves two main differences: challenges in social communication and engaging in restricted or repetitive behaviors. To receive a diagnosis, children must show signs in both categories, but the exact symptoms can appear and evolve differently for each child.
Early signs aren’t always obvious; some can be mistaken for shyness or just a different personality. A child who likes to play alone might simply be independent, for example, or a speech delay might seem temporary. But when several signs persist or appear together, a specialized evaluation is the best way to gain clarity.
That’s why North Shore Pediatric Therapy focuses on patterns, not just isolated behaviors. Every child grows at their own rate, but consistent differences in how your child interacts with others or their environment deserve attention.
Developmental Milestones: What to Expect in Early Childhood
While every child grows at their own pace, most follow a general pattern of developmental milestones that can guide parents and caregivers in monitoring progress. These milestones act as helpful checkpoints, allowing families to celebrate growth while also recognizing potential early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental differences. For instance, around 12 months, many children begin using gestures such as pointing to share interest, waving to say goodbye, and enjoying simple games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake. These early forms of communication and interaction play a key role in building social skills.
By 18 months, children usually start using a few words, and by age 2, many combine words into short phrases. Socially, toddlers often show interest in engaging with others, make eye contact, and respond to familiar cues. If a child shows differences—such as delays in gestures or speech—these may be early indicators of autism or other developmental challenges that deserve closer attention.
Parents can support their child best by knowing what milestones to look for and observing how their child engages with the world. If a child is not meeting certain age-related expectations—like making eye contact, responding to their name, or using two-word phrases by age 2—it may be helpful to bring up these concerns with a pediatrician. Identifying potential delays early opens the door to supportive resources and interventions that can make a meaningful difference in a child’s development.
8 Key Early Signs of Autism
1. Limited Eye Contact and Social Engagement
Eye contact helps children learn, connect, and bond with caregivers. In children with autism, limited or absent eye contact can be noticeable from infancy. Your baby may not look at you during feedings, overlook your smile, or not follow your gaze or pointing gestures. These differences go beyond shyness—they reflect unique ways of processing and responding to social cues. Early support can help children develop these vital social skills.
2. Speech and Communication Delays
While most infants babble by 12 months and start using words by age 2, children with autism often demonstrate significant differences in their language development. Your child may not babble, or they may fail to respond to their name, use very few words, or repeat phrases instead of using language meaningfully. Children with autism may also rely less on gestures, like waving goodbye or pointing, to communicate their needs.
3. Repetitive Movements and Behaviors
Repetitive behaviors are a hallmark of autism and may include flapping hands, rocking, spinning, or echoing certain actions or sounds. Some children show intense interest in routines or specific objects—lining up toys, spinning wheels, or watching ceiling fans for long periods. While most children enjoy routine, these behaviors in autism are more persistent and intense.
4. Sensory Sensitivities
Children with autism often have unusual reactions to sights, sounds, textures, smells, or tastes. Your child might cover their ears at common noises, refuse certain foods because of texture, or become overwhelmed in busy environments. Some children on the spectrum seek extra sensory input, craving sensations like spinning, jumping, or touching specific objects.
5. Challenges with Social Interactions
Playing together, sharing excitement, and enjoying interactive games like peek-a-boo are important milestones. Children with autism may prefer solitary play, show little interest in group activities, or struggle to engage with other children—even siblings. Sometimes they don’t seek comfort from adults or share discoveries, but this doesn’t mean they’re uninterested in connection. With understanding and support, social skills can improve.
6. Difficulty with Changes and Routines
A strong need for routine is common in children on the autism spectrum. Changes to daily schedules, transitioning between activities, or unexpected events may lead to emotional upset or behavioral challenges. These reactions go beyond typical child preferences; they represent a need for predictability and security.
7. Unusual Play Patterns
Children with autism often engage in play differently. Instead of imaginative scenarios, they may intently focus on certain toy features, line objects up, or become fixated on patterns and rules. These preferences can limit creative or pretend play but with guidance, many children learn to enjoy more flexible play activities.
8. Reduced Responsive Smiling and Emotional Expression
Social smiling—where a baby smiles in response to faces and voices—usually begins by two or three months. Children with autism may smile less or show fewer facial expressions, making it harder to interpret their feelings. This doesn’t mean they lack emotion, but they may need support to express and share those feelings.
Why Early Recognition Is Critical
Decades of research confirm that early intervention leads to the best outcomes for children with autism. The first years of life are a period of rapid brain growth and learning, and starting therapy in these years lays the foundation for lifelong skills in communication, learning, and relationships.
Early identification gives your family access to specialized services—including applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and parent coaching—so you and your child receive the individualized support you deserve. At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, our team, including Chicago Autism Testing Institute, schedules evaluations for young children quickly—often within just a few weeks—so you don’t have to wait months for answers.
When to Consider a Professional Evaluation
If you've noticed several of these signs in your child or have ongoing concerns about their development, it’s always appropriate to seek a professional autism diagnosis. There is no harm in pursuing an evaluation early—information is empowering, and support is always available.
A comprehensive evaluation involves expert observation, a developmental history, standardized tools, and family interviews to create a full picture of your child’s strengths and needs. Your child’s pediatrician can help with referrals, or you can reach out directly to North Shore Pediatric Therapy and the Chicago Autism Testing Institute for a thorough, compassionate assessment in a family-focused setting.
Supporting Your Child’s Journey with North Shore Pediatric Therapy
Whether an evaluation confirms autism or provides reassurance, you’ll gain valuable insights to support your child’s growth and well-being. At North Shore Pediatric Therapy and the Chicago Autism Testing Institute, we believe that every child deserves a caring, knowledgeable team behind them. With over 25 years of experience, our specialists are dedicated to helping children reach their fullest potential in school, relationships, and life.
Remember: autism is only one part of your child—and with understanding, early intervention, and the right resources, your child can thrive. Take the next step and connect with North Shore Pediatric Therapy’s Chicago Autism Testing Institute to schedule an evaluation. Our team is here for you with clear answers, individualized support, and hope for every step ahead.
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