Autism early signs can vary, but several patterns are commonly observed in infancy and toddlerhood. If you’re concerned about a child’s development, discussing observations with a pediatrician or developmental specialist is important. Below is a concise overview of typical early signs, grouped by age range. Direct answer

• General note: Many signs can appear in the first year or two, but not all children with autism show the same signs, and some signs may emerge later as social and communication demands increase. If multiple concerns are present, seek a professional evaluation promptly.

Early signs by age

• By 6–12 months
  • Limited or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other joyful expressions
  • Minimal eye contact or not looking when names or voices are present
  • Reduced use of facial expressions or gestures to communicate
  • Unusual or limited interest in people or social games (e.g., limited imitation of sounds or faces)
  • Repetitive or unusual movements (e.g., hand-flapping, unusual body movements)
• By 12–24 months
  • Delayed or reduced speech and language development (little or no babbling, few or no words, or loss of previously learned words)
  • Limited or no use of gestures (no pointing, reaching, or showing objects to others)
  • Difficulties with joint attention (hard to share focus on an object or activity with another person)
  • Repetitive behaviors or narrow, intense interests
  • Preference for routines and distress with small changes or transitions
  • Atypical responses to sensory input (over- or under-reactivity to sounds, textures, lights, or smells)

What to do if you notice signs

• Document what you observe: specific behaviors, when they started, and how they impact daily activities (communication, play, routine).
• Schedule a developmental screening with your child’s pediatrician. In many places, universal screening is recommended at certain well-child visits.
• If concerns persist, ask for a formal developmental/autism evaluation. Early identification can help families access supports and interventions that may improve outcomes.

Context and next steps

• The exact signs that appear and their timing can vary widely. For children who are older than 2 years, signs may include persistent differences in social communication, restricted interests, or repetitive behaviors.
• If you want, share a brief summary of specific observations (age, examples of behaviors, and any family history), and I can help interpret what they might indicate and outline questions to bring to a clinician.

Note: If you’d like, I can tailor this guidance to your child’s age and highlight which signs are most suggestive at that stage, or provide a quick checklist you can use during home observations.