It’s natural to have questions as your child grows and develops. If you're noticing differences in how your child communicates, plays, or reacts to the world around them, you're not alone. This page offers helpful information about early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and what steps to take next.
Social Communication and Interaction
Children with ASD may have difficulty with everyday social interactions. Some signs to look for include:
- By 9 months: Doesn’t make eye contact or respond to their name
- By 12 months: Doesn’t play interactive games like pat-a-cake or use gestures like waving
- By 15–18 months: Doesn’t share interests or point to show you something
- By 24–36 months: Doesn’t notice others' feelings or join other children in play
- By 48–60 months: Doesn’t pretend during play or perform for attention (like singing or dancing)
Repetitive Behaviors and Interests
Children with ASD often have unique ways of interacting with their environment, such as:
- Lining up toys or objects and becoming upset when the order changes
- Repeating the same words or phrases (echolalia)
- Focusing intensely on parts of objects (like spinning wheels)
- Having strong need for routines and distress over small changes
- Repetitive movements like hand flapping or body rocking
- Sensory sensitivities to sound, touch, taste, or smell
Other Characteristics May Include:
- Delays in speech, motor skills, or learning
- High energy, impulsiveness, or trouble focusing
- Sleep or digestive issues
- Strong emotional reactions or mood differences
- Higher or lower levels of fear than expected
Keep in mind: Every child is different. Having one or more of these signs does not mean your child has autism—but it may mean it's time to speak with a healthcare provider.
What To Do Next
ASD Diagnostic Services at Easterseals
We offer comprehensive evaluations to help families get answers. Our clinical team is experienced in early diagnosis and family-centered care. Contact us today to schedule a screening or learn more about our services.
Introducing EarliPoint™ Evaluation
For children ages 16 to 30 months, we now offer EarliPoint™, an FDA-cleared tool that helps detect early signs of autism using eye-tracking technology. This innovative assessment is non-invasive and can lead to earlier diagnosis and support.
