Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and behaves. Early signs of autism can often be observed in young children, though they may vary widely in presentation and severity. Below are some common early signs that may appear in infancy or toddlerhood (typically between 6 months and 3 years of age):

Social Interaction Signs

• Limited eye contact: Avoiding or not maintaining eye contact during interactions.
• Lack of response to name: Not turning or responding when their name is called by 12 months.
• Difficulty with social smiling: Not smiling back when smiled at or not showing joyful expressions by 6-9 months.
• Limited interest in others: Not showing interest in engaging with caregivers or peers, such as not pointing to share attention (e.g., pointing at an object to show it to someone).
• Preference for solitary play: Preferring to play alone rather than with others, even when encouraged.

Communication Signs

• Delayed speech or language development: Not babbling by 12 months, not saying single words by 16 months, or not using two-word phrases by 24 months.
• Echolalia: Repeating words or phrases without apparent meaning or context (e.g., parroting what they hear).
• Unusual tone or rhythm: Speaking in a monotone, sing-song voice, or with atypical inflection.
• Limited gestures: Not waving goodbye, pointing, or using other nonverbal communication by 12-18 months.
• Difficulty with back-and-forth interaction: Not responding to or initiating simple conversational exchanges.

Behavioral Signs

• Repetitive movements: Engaging in actions like hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or finger-flicking (often called “stimming”).
• Fixation on specific objects or interests: Intense focus on particular toys, parts of objects (e.g., wheels), or topics, often to the exclusion of others.
• Resistance to change: Becoming upset by minor changes in routine or environment (e.g., distress when furniture is rearranged).
• Unusual sensory responses: Overreacting or underreacting to sounds, textures, lights, or pain (e.g., covering ears at loud noises or not reacting to a fall).
• Playing with toys in atypical ways: Lining up objects, spinning them, or focusing on one aspect rather than using them imaginatively.

Developmental Red Flags

• Regression: Losing previously acquired skills, such as words or social abilities, often between 15-24 months.
• Delayed milestones: Slower progress in reaching developmental milestones like sitting, crawling, or walking (though not always present).

Important Notes

• Variability: Not all children with autism display all these signs, and some may show them to varying degrees. Some children without autism may also exhibit a few of these behaviors temporarily.
• Early detection: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at 18 and 24 months, but signs may be noticed earlier or later.
• Next steps: If you suspect autism in a child, consulting a pediatrician or developmental specialist for a formal evaluation is key. Early intervention (e.g., speech therapy, behavioral therapy) can significantly improve outcomes.

Would you like more detailed information on any specific aspect, such as diagnostic processes or support strategies?