Many parents notice something different about how their child plays or talks. That feeling is often the first step in noticing the early signs of autism.
This guide covers common signs to watch for. It also covers what to do next. The OPWDD eligibility guide covers what happens after a child gets evaluated.
Noticing early signs of autism can lead to help sooner. This does not mean every delay means autism. It just means paying attention is a good idea.
According to the CDC, a delay in normal milestones can be a sign of autism. It can also point to another delay. This covers how a child plays, talks, and moves from birth to age five.
Parents often notice these signs first. Sometimes they notice before a doctor does. That instinct is worth trusting.
Noticing a sign is not the same as a diagnosis. Many signs can look like other things too. This is why a real check-up matters.
Some signs show up in the first year of life. Others may not show up until age two.
Common signs in babies and toddlers include:
According to Autism Speaks, some kids grow as expected until 18 to 24 months. Then they lose skills they had. This is called regression.
Regression can feel scary for parents. A child loses skills instead of just growing slower. It is still worth telling a doctor, even if the change feels small.
Social and talking differences are often early signs of autism. These show up in how a child acts with others.
Signs in this group may include:
Not every child shows every sign. Some kids show strong signs in one area. They may act typical in other areas.
Extended family can also help spot signs. A grandparent or babysitter may notice something a parent misses. This happens because they see the child in a different setting.
Some kids also show signs tied to behavior or the senses. These often show up along with talking differences, not instead of them.
Common signs here include:
These signs can be mild or strong. A child may show one sign a little. Another child may show several signs a lot.
Some of these signs show up in typical kids too. What matters more is the full pattern. Do the signs show up often and together?
Early signs of autism do not look the same in every child. This is part of why autism is called a spectrum.
A few things can change how signs look. Girls, for example, are often diagnosed later than boys. Their signs can look different or be harder to spot.
Some kids show clear signs very early. Others seem fine for a while first. Neither path is more normal than the other.
Waiting lists for testing can sometimes take a few months. This can depend on where a family lives. Starting the referral process early can help cut down on the wait.
Culture and language can also shape how signs get noticed. A behavior that stands out in one home may look normal in another. This is why a real evaluation matters more than a guess.
Noticing signs does not mean a parent must have all the answers right away. The first step is often just talking to a doctor.
Helpful steps for parents include:
Doctors use simple screening tools at check-ups. These tools do not give a diagnosis. They help show if more testing makes sense.
Keeping a short list of examples can help these talks go better. Clear notes are easier for a doctor to use than a vague feeling.
It also helps to ask the doctor directly about a referral. Some parents wait for the doctor to bring it up first. Asking directly often speeds things up.
A full evaluation is more detailed than a screening. It often means a specialist watches and tests the child closely.
This may include play-based testing, talks with parents, and standard tools. This process can take more than one visit.
There are also more resources once testing is done. The Pediatrics and OPWDD overview page covers services many families use after a diagnosis.
Early help means starting therapy soon after signs or a diagnosis appear. Starting early does not promise one outcome. It does open the door to help sooner.
Early services often focus on talking, social skills, and daily tasks. These are the same areas linked to the signs above.
Studies often show that early help leads to more progress over time. It is never too late to start, though. Starting early just tends to open more options.
Families in some areas can also check local help nearby. The Autism Support in Brooklyn, NY page covers services close to home for families there.
Some children can be reliably diagnosed by age two. The average age of diagnosis, though, is often later than that.
One sign alone does not mean a child has autism. A doctor can help figure out if more testing makes sense.
Most doctors do not recommend a wait-and-see approach. It is usually better to ask for an evaluation if worry continues.
Yes, girls can show more subtle signs than boys. This is part of why some girls get diagnosed later in life.
Not always. Support needs can look very different from child to child. Some children need a lot of ongoing help, while others need much less over time.
Noticing early signs of autism can feel like a lot to take in. It is still the first step toward getting a child the right kind of help. Trusting a parent’s instinct and asking for testing early tends to open more doors, not fewer.
Every child’s path looks a little different from here. Working with a doctor and other specialists helps families understand what their own child truly needs.
Some children need many types of support. Others need much less over time. There is no single right path once early signs of autism are noticed. There is only the path that fits that one child.
Noticing early signs is just the beginning. Our Pediatrics and OPWDD team can help families understand what usually comes next. This includes support from testing all the way through ongoing care.
With offices across Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Manhattan, and Nassau, our team is here to help families get started with care.
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