# Signs of Autism in Children: What Parents Should Watch For > Plain-language guide to the early signs of autism in babies, toddlers and older children — what to look for, what's typical, and what to do next. _Source: Autism Parent Guide (https://autismparentguide.org/signs) · Last reviewed 2026-06-01 · Reviewed by Parent reviewer and Speech & language therapist._ ## Quick answer Common early signs of autism include limited eye contact, not responding to their name, delayed or unusual speech, little interest in playing with others, repeating movements (like hand-flapping or rocking), lining up toys, and strong reactions to sounds, textures or changes in routine. **One sign on its own is rarely a concern** — it's a *pattern* across several areas that matters. Signs often appear before age 2, but some children aren't noticed until school age. If you're worried, you don't need to wait: ask for an autism assessment. ## When to seek advice sooner Talk to a doctor, health visitor or nurse **without delay** if at any age your child: - Loses speech, babbling or social skills they used to have - Doesn't babble or make gestures (pointing, waving) by 12 months - Says no single words by 16 months - Says no two-word phrases by 24 months Losing skills ("regression") at any age should always be checked. Trust your instincts — you know your child best, and asking for advice early never does any harm. ## What parents can do today - Write down what you've noticed, with rough dates and examples — short notes are enough. - Film a 30–60 second clip on your phone of the behaviour you're describing (this helps professionals a lot). - Book a routine appointment with your GP, family doctor, paediatrician or health visitor and share your notes. - Ask directly: "Can my child be referred for an autism assessment?" You're allowed to ask. - Keep supporting communication at home while you wait — small visual supports help straight away. ## What are the main signs of autism? Autism affects how a person communicates, plays, and experiences the world. Signs usually fall into two broad areas: ### 1. Social communication and interaction - Limited or fleeting eye contact - Not responding to their name by 12 months (when hearing is normal) - Not pointing to show you things they find interesting - Little interest in other children, or playing alongside rather than *with* them - Few facial expressions, or expressions that don't match the situation - Delayed speech, or losing words they once used - Repeating words or phrases (sometimes from TV or videos) — this is called echolalia - Finding it hard to understand others' feelings or to share their own ### 2. Repetitive behaviours and focused interests - Repeating movements such as hand-flapping, rocking or spinning - Lining up toys or playing with the same part of a toy (like spinning wheels) - Getting very upset by small changes to routine - Intense interests in specific topics, objects or activities - Strong reactions to sounds, lights, textures, tastes or smells — or seeming not to notice pain or temperature No two autistic children are the same. A child might have strong language but struggle socially, or be very social but highly sensitive to noise. ## Signs of autism by age ### Babies (under 12 months) - Doesn't smile back at you by around 6 months - Rarely makes eye contact - Little babbling or copying of sounds and faces - Doesn't reach out to be picked up ### Toddlers (1–2 years) - Not responding to their name - Not pointing at things or following your point - Few or no words by 16 months; no two-word phrases by 24 months - Not bringing objects to show you - Repetitive movements or lining up toys - Big distress at changes or certain sounds and textures ### Pre-school and school age (3+ years) - Finding friendships and group play difficult - Taking language very literally; struggling with back-and-forth conversation - A strong need for routine and sameness - Deep, focused interests - Sensory sensitivities at school (noise, lights, busy rooms) Some autistic children — often girls, but not only girls — learn to *mask* or copy others, so signs can be missed until social demands grow at school. If something feels different about how your child connects or copes, it's worth raising even if they seem to be "managing." ## What's typical, and what isn't? Many behaviours on this page happen in *all* young children sometimes. Toddlers line things up, have tantrums, and go through fussy phases. The difference with autism is usually about **how often, how intensely, and how many areas** are affected — and whether your child is also reaching social and communication milestones. A tantrum, for example, is usually about wanting something and often stops when the child gets attention or the thing they want. A [meltdown](/daily-life/meltdowns) is an overwhelmed response to too much sensory or emotional input, and isn't about getting something. If you're unsure whether what you're seeing is "just a phase," that uncertainty is itself a good reason to check in with a professional. ## What to do if you notice signs Noticing signs is not a diagnosis — and a diagnosis is not something to fear. Many parents say getting answers helped them understand and support their child better. Your next step is simple: **share what you've noticed with a professional and ask for an assessment.** Read our step-by-step guide on [what to do if you're worried](/diagnosis/first-steps), including how referrals and waiting lists usually work. While you wait — and waits can be long — you can start supporting your child today. Visual supports and simple picture cards help many children understand what's happening and express needs with less frustration. That's exactly what our free [Parent Toolkit](/toolkit) is for. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can you tell if a 1-year-old has autism? Sometimes. Some signs — like not responding to their name, not pointing or sharing attention, and little babbling — can appear before 12 months. But signs can also be subtle or appear later, so an assessment by a professional is the only way to know. Raising concerns early is always reasonable. ### My child makes eye contact — does that rule out autism? No. Many autistic children make eye contact, especially with people they're close to. Autism is about a pattern across communication, social interaction and behaviour — not any single sign. Eye contact alone neither confirms nor rules it out. ### Is hand-flapping always a sign of autism? No. Lots of young children flap, spin or rock when excited. Repetitive movements are only one possible sign, and matter most when they appear alongside differences in communication and social interaction. ### Should I wait and see, or ask now? If you're worried, ask now. "Wait and see" can cost valuable months, and assessment waiting lists are often long. Asking for advice early causes no harm — and if everything is fine, you'll have reassurance. ### Does a speech delay mean my child is autistic? Not on its own. Speech delay has many causes, including hearing problems. It's worth getting hearing checked and speaking to a professional. Autism is considered when delays appear together with differences in social communication and behaviour. ### Can autism be missed in girls? Yes. Some autistic girls (and boys) learn to mask or copy others socially, so their needs are missed until school or later. If your daughter struggles socially, is exhausted after school, or has intense interests and a strong need for routine, it can still be worth raising. ## Sources - Signs of autism in young children — NHS - Signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder — CDC - Developmental surveillance and screening guidance — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - Autism: recognition, referral and diagnosis guidance — NICE --- **Not medical advice.** This information is general and educational. Always speak to a qualified professional about your individual child. Free parent tools: build printable communication cards at https://autismparentguide.org/toolkit/cards