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10 Early Signs of Autism

  • Recognizing the early signs of autism—such as lack of pointing, delayed speech, or not responding to name—can help parents take action sooner and support their child’s development during the most important learning years.

  • The early signs of autism often overlap with ADHD, speech delay, or sensory challenges, which is why understanding patterns across communication, play, behavior, and imitation is more helpful than focusing on just one sign.

  • Research and clinical experience show that acting on the early signs of autism—instead of waiting to see if a child “catches up”—can lead to better outcomes in talking, learning, and daily life skills.

  • Dr. Mary Barbera’s 4-Step Turn Autism Around® approach gives parents a clear plan to follow when they notice early signs of autism, helping children increase communication, decrease problem behaviors, and build independence at home.

10 Early Warning Signs of Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that involves a social communication delay, but it isn’t always easy to determine whether it is autism, a speech delay, adhd or something else!

 

Ultimately, as I discuss in my newest book Turn Autism Around®, regardless of what it is you can start intervening now if you are noticing any of these signs. 

 

Let’s jump right into what everyone wants to know, what are the early signs of autism in young children and how do you know if your child or clients have these signs?

These signs are directly from Chapter 2 of Turn Autism Around® which you can read for free right here. 

10 early signs of autism. Early signs of autism. Turn Autism Around
As soon as you notice the signs I am going to talk about today, you can take action.

 

Keeping up with the latest developmental milestones as provided by the CDC is a another good first step. 

 

The 10 early signs of autism to watch for at a glance are; 

  • Lack of Pointing
  • Speech and Language Delays
  • Excessive Tantrums
  • Unresponsive to Name
  • Delayed Playing Behaviors
  • Repetitive Behaviors
  • Insistent and Excessive “Sameness”
  • Sensory Issues
  • Motor Delay and Toe Walking
  • Poor Imitation Abilities
 
Continue reading and listening to hear how these may present in your child or clients. 

Delay in or Lack of Pointing and Joint Attention

One of the most important early signs of autism is delayed or lack or pointing and joint attention. 

Joint attention is a critical early social and communication skill that helps children interact and engage with others. It typically develops in stages during infancy and toddlerhood.  According to Healthy Children Here’s how joint attention progresses:

early signs of autism. Lack of pointing and joint attention in autism
A child pointing and sharing interest/ joint attention with their caregiver is often missing as a first early sign of autism

1. Responding to Joint Attention (Around 6-9 Months)

  • Behavior: At this stage, babies start responding to others’ attempts to get their attention. For example, when a parent points to or looks at an object, the baby will follow their gaze or look at the object.
  • Significance: This marks the beginning of a child’s awareness of shared focus with another person, laying the foundation for further social interaction and language development.

2. Initiating Joint Attention (9-12 Months)

  • Behavior: Infants begin to initiate joint attention by pointing to or showing objects to others to get them to look. They may point at an object and look back at the parent to make sure they are following their lead. 
  • Significance: This stage shows that the child understands that others have attention that can be directed and shared. It’s a key developmental milestone that signals early social and communication skills. Lacking this skill is often one of the first early signs of autism. 

3. Consistent Use of Joint Attention (12-18 Months)

  • Behavior: By this age, children use joint attention more consistently. They regularly point, show, or give objects to others to share experiences and engage in social interactions.
  • Significance: This stage is crucial for language development. The ability to share focus with another person through gestures, gaze, or pointing helps expand vocabulary and understanding of the world. If a child does not have this skill by 18 months or is pointing only with a full hand, this is an early sign of autism especially when combined with other signs. 

4. Refined Joint Attention (18-24 Months)

  • Behavior: Toddlers become more sophisticated in their use of joint attention. They may use words along with gestures to direct attention and engage others, such as saying, “Look at that!” while pointing.
  • Significance: Joint attention is now an established part of communication, facilitating more complex interactions. Children are learning how to engage socially with others, ask for help, or share interests.

In children with autism, difficulties with joint attention are often one of the earliest signs of a developmental delay and autism, particularly if they are not responding to or initiating joint attention by 12-15 months.

Early intervention focusing on these skills such as the bonus video within my online courses can help improve communication and social interaction.

If you want to read more about this sign of autism, you can check out the first 2 chapters of my book Turn Autism Around® here.

Speech Delays and Differences with Autism

As a mom and autism expert, I know firsthand how confusing it can be to differentiate between a simple speech delay and autism. Parents and professionals trying to determine if a child has early signs of autism or a speech delay would benefit from this video .

Early signs of autism. Turn autism around chapter 2 signs of autism
You can start turning speech delays around with Turn Autism Around®

 

 

Both can involve delayed language development, but with autism, it’s not just about late talking. Autism often comes with challenges in social communication—things like not responding to their name, avoiding eye contact, or not pointing to share interest by 18 months.

 

In contrast, a child with a speech delay may have trouble forming words, but they’re usually more engaged socially.  They may echo and repeat you more consistently, but we will get into how imitation is an early sign of autism soon too. They’ll use gestures, make eye contact, and try to communicate in other ways. Understanding these differences is so important for getting the right help early on.

 

Tantrums and Autism Signs

When it comes to excessive tantrums, I’ve learned that they can be more than just typical toddler behavior—especially when paired with other developmental concerns. In my own experience with Lucas, I was surprised that he didn’t have many tantrums early on, but many kids with early signs of autism do. 

 

These tantrums often stem from frustration due to communication struggles. When a child can’t express what they need or want, it can lead to more severe behaviors like self-injury, aggression, or even property destruction.

 

 It’s important to remember that not all children with autism or signs of autism will have extreme tantrums, but for those who do, it’s often linked to their language delays and difficulty navigating their world. Identifying this early can be a big step toward helping them.

 

Excessive tantrums are tantrums that last longer and/or happen more frequently than that of a typically developing toddler. A lot of tantrums combined with some of the other signs can be an early sign of autism but remember, some tantrumming is normal! 

Want to Learn how to Increase Talking & Decrease Tantrums in Children with Autism or Toddlers Showing Signs?

Want to start making a difference for your child or clients?

I’m Ready to Learn!

Child Not Responding to Name

Another one of the early signs of autism is a child not responding to their name.

 This was a significant early sign for me with my son, Lucas. While it might seem like they’re just ignoring you, children with autism may have difficulty processing language or may be more focused on their environment than on social interaction. 

You might notice that your child responds to other sounds, like a favorite TV show or a song, but won’t look up when you call their name. 

This lack of response can be concerning, but the good news is, it’s a teachable skill. In fact, I’ve created a simple guide on how to teach children with autism to respond to their name, which you can check out here. Teaching this skill early can greatly improve communication and social interaction.

Play Skills and Repetitive Behavior in Autism

When it comes to early signs of autism, play skills and repetitive behaviors are key areas to watch.

 

From my experience, children with early signs of autism often struggle with creative or pretend play, and their play tends to be more repetitive.

 

Instead of playing with toys in varied, imaginative ways, they might line up cars or blocks over and over again, or focus on spinning the wheels of a toy car without engaging in typical play. This repetitive behavior can sometimes become a self-soothing activity or a way to cope with sensory overload. You may have heard it called stimming.  It isn’t a bad thing and doesn’t need to be stopped but can offer us insight into if a child has autism or not.

 

What’s missing in their play is the social aspect—they’re not showing toys to others or using them to communicate, which are important milestones.

 

These repetitive actions, combined with a lack of varied play, are significant early indicators that a child may be on the autism spectrum.

early signs of autism. play skills in autism. stim on car wheels.
You may see young children with signs of autism laying on the ground looking at toys from different angles.

Enjoys Routines and Sameness

When it comes to insistence on sameness, I’ve seen firsthand how rigid routines can be an early sign of autism. Toddlers love sameness and predictability, however, children on the spectrum may become very upset when their routine is disrupted or when things aren’t done in a specific way.

 

For some kids, even small changes can trigger major tantrums or anxiety. Here’s what I’ve noticed about this behavior:

  • Children might insist on taking the same route every day, whether it’s driving to a familiar place or walking a specific path.
  • They may only want to eat certain foods or wear the same clothes and can become very distressed if you try to introduce something new.
  • Changes in routine, like skipping a step at bedtime, can lead to meltdowns.
  • Some children will repeat the same actions or behaviors over and over because it feels comforting to them. This is also known as stimming.
  • This rigidity isn’t just about preferences—it’s an indication that they’re struggling with adaptability, which is a common trait in children with autism.

Understanding this need for sameness can help parents better support their child by gently introducing flexibility and preparing them for changes. When combined with some of the other early signs of autism, it may also help assessors determine if it is autism, ADHD or a speech delay. 

Sensory Issues and Autism

From my experience, sensory issues are often one of the earliest signs of autism that parents notice, and they can look very different from child to child. Some children are sensory seekers, while others are sensory avoiders, and many are a mix of both. But, just because there may be some sensitivities does not necessarily mean it is autism, remember these are just signs of autism and we need assessors to evaluate if there are enough of these signs together to mean autism.

 

Here’s how sensory challenges might show up:

  • Sensitivity to sounds: Some children may cover their ears or get upset by loud noises, like a vacuum or a crowded room, while others don’t seem bothered at all.
  • Sensitivity to touch: A child might resist being touched, hate certain textures of clothing (like tags), or have trouble with the feeling of certain materials.
  • Seeking sensory input: Some children love jumping, crashing into furniture, or squeezing into tight spaces to feel pressure on their bodies.
  • Food texture issues: Sensory problems can also show up as picky eating, where the child refuses to eat certain foods because of the texture or look of the food.
  • Visual or tactile sensitivities: Kids may be drawn to repetitive behaviors like spinning objects or staring at lights, or they might avoid bright lights altogether.

These sensory challenges can be an early sign of autism when combined with some other signs such as lack of pointing, speech delays, or anything listed in this article. 

Motor Delays and Walking in Autism

Now this early sign of autism is not well known and may even be overlooked! 

 

When it comes to motor delays and walking, I’ve noticed that this isn’t often discussed as an early sign of autism, but it can be a factor.

 

For years, we didn’t think children with autism had motor delays, but research and my own experience have shown that many do. For instance, children on the spectrum might walk later than expected—my son Lucas walked at 14 months, while my neurotypical son Spencer walked at 11 months. These were both within the range of normal, but Lucas did walk later. I have worked with some clients who struggle with low muscle tone and struggle to walk or sit up in small chairs as a toddler.

early signs of autism. toe walking and autism
Toe walking can look like walking on the tips of toes instead of on flat feet.

Some kids may also engage in toe walking, which is when they walk on the balls of their feet instead of using a flat-footed gait.

 

This isn’t always a sign of autism, but when combined with other developmental delays, it can be a clue. While motor delays might not be the most obvious sign, they can contribute to a broader picture of what’s going on with a child’s development.

Lack of Imitation Skills in Autism

Imitation skills are so crucial for a child’s development because they’re how children learn from others and engage with their environment. When babies and toddlers imitate things like facial expressions, gestures, and actions, it helps them build language skills, play behaviors, and social connections. 

 

What I’ve seen, and what research supports, is that children with autism often struggle with imitation skills early on. They likely aren’t copying social skills, or daily living routines which can make developmental delays even worse. 

 

In my own experience with Lucas, he began to lose some of his imitation abilities—he stopped pointing, waving, and doing the back-and-forth sing-song interactions that are typical in young children. 

 

This lack of imitation is a significant early sign of autism because it affects how children learn new skills. The good news is that imitation can be taught, and it’s one of the very first skills I work on with children because it opens the door to improving their play, language, and overall social development. So make sure to check out my online courses to learn how to teach imitation skills to a child with early signs of autism. 

Do These Signs Mean a Child has Autism For Sure?

Possibly yes, but they can also lead to toddler ADHD, speech delays, other disorders or even none at all. What is important is that my proven four-step approach related to these early signs is going to work and help no matter what the diagnosis is.

 

 

It is also important to seek out early intervention in your community and get on wait lists for an autism assessment with a developmental pediatrician or psychologist. 

What can I do if I notice Early Signs of Autism?

If you are noticing these signs, have concerns, or just want to know more, I encourage you to check out the free book resources from Turn Autism Around. There you will have free access to templates, checklists, and tools to get started right away as well as access to the first two chapters of my book, Turn Autism Around, completely free.

Early diagnosis of autism

Early Warning Signs of Autism FAQ

1. What are the early warning signs of autism in toddlers?

As discussed in Chapter 2 of Turn Autism Around®, early warning signs of autism in toddlers may include a lack of pointing by 18 months, delayed speech and language development, poor response to their name, repetitive behaviors, and difficulties with social interaction.  There are also lesser known signs like picky eating, rigidness, lack of sleep, and motor delays. These signs may also overlap with other developmental issues like ADHD or speech impairments.

2. How can delayed speech and language be a sign of autism?

Speech and language delays, both in expressive and receptive language, are common signs of autism. This includes difficulty in understanding basic instructions, such as pointing to body parts, and not being able to speak or form sentences spontaneously by certain developmental stages. In autism, you may also notice a lack of non verbal communication like gestures and pointing. 

3. Can excessive tantrums be a sign of autism?

Yes, excessive tantrums can be a sign of autism, especially if they are linked to frustration due to communication difficulties. Children with speech delays are more prone to frequent or intense tantrums because they struggle to express their needs.

4. How does sensory processing affect children with autism?

Children with autism often have sensory processing issues. This can manifest as being overly sensitive or under-responsive to stimuli such as sounds, textures, or light. Some may engage in sensory-seeking behaviors like running into walls, while others may avoid sensory input like being touched or wearing certain clothes. Many young toddlers have sensory differences but when combined with some of the other 9 signs discussed today, this can be a component of autism. 

5. What role does imitation play in diagnosing autism?

Poor imitation skills, such as not copying gestures or actions, are often observed in children with autism. Imitation is crucial for learning and development, and children who struggle with it may face delays in communication, social interaction, and play. Teaching imitation can help improve other developmental areas.

Resources

Are you worried about possible signs of autism? Today, I’m covering the top 10 possible signs of autism. These can also overlap with signs of ADHD or speech delay. The list I’m sharing comes from Chapter 2 of my newest book Turn Autism Around: An Action Guide for Parents of Young Children with Early Signs of Autism. Chapter 2 is titled Is it Autism, ADHD, or Just a Speech Delay? and it outlines these top 10 signs in detail. I’ll review them here, but if you’d like to get Chapter 1 for free, plus listen to Chapter 2 (the chapter I’ll be covering today), you can do that at turnautismaround.com or by checking the link in the show notes. Signs of Autism The following list comes directly from Chapter 2 of my book. These are not the ultimate or only signs of autism, but they are important red flags to watch for. Some of these may also indicate a developmental delay, a language disorder, ADHD, or even sensory issues. In some cases, children may go on to be diagnosed as gifted with a high IQ. Over the past two decades, I’ve learned that developmental diagnoses are not always clear-cut. There’s a lot of gray area, and children can have multiple diagnoses. That’s why it’s important to treat these as possible signs, not definitive proof. Although my new book is focused mainly on children ages one to five (with or without a diagnosis), the strategies and insights can help older kids and even adults with autism. My mission is to help parents, especially those who might be in denial like I was when Lucas first showed signs, to recognize delays early and take positive action. I also want to emphasize: I am not qualified to diagnose autism. Only certain physicians and psychologists with specific training can do that. But what I can do is help parents and professionals recognize possible signs, so that kids can get assessed early and supported right away. Most importantly, whether a child has autism, ADHD, a speech disorder, Down syndrome, or no diagnosis at all, my four-step Turn Autism Around approach works. These proven techniques help children talk more, tantrum less, and improve life skills such as eating, sleeping, and potty training. The 10 Possible Signs of Autism Lack of pointing By 15 to 18 months, children should point with their index finger—not just reach with their whole hand. Lack of pointing, both to request (like a cookie) and to show (like an airplane in the sky), is a red flag. Pointing shows joint attention and social connection. Lack of pointing by 18 months is concerning, but remember it’s just one sign among many. Speech and language delays This includes both expressive language (talking) and receptive language (understanding). Many kids with delays can sing songs or imitate gestures but struggle to follow simple directions without prompts. Not understanding or using spontaneous, functional language is a hallmark sign of autism, though it can also overlap with apraxia or other speech disorders. Excessive tantrums Not all children with autism tantrum excessively, but many with severe language delays do. Tantrums may escalate to aggression, self-injury, or property destruction. While Lucas didn’t tantrum much as a toddler, many of my clients have, especially when unable to communicate their needs. Not responding to name A child who doesn’t respond to their name may appear hard of hearing, but sometimes it’s “selective hearing.” They might ignore their name yet respond instantly to a favorite theme song. This can be taught, but lack of consistent response to name is a red flag. Delayed play skills Children with autism often play repetitively—lining things up, spinning wheels, or repeating the same activity without variety. Pretend play, which typically begins before 18 months, is usually absent or very delayed. Repetitive behaviors Examples include hand-flapping, lining up objects, or spinning wheels. Some repetitive behaviors are mild, but others, like head-banging, can be severe and dangerous. These behaviors may be sensory-driven or self-stimulating. Insistence on sameness Many children enjoy routines, but for those on the spectrum, it can be extreme. They may tantrum if the route to school changes, resist new foods, or insist on wearing the same clothes. This rigidity can interfere with daily life. Sensory issues Children may be sensory avoidant (disliking certain textures, sounds, or tags in clothing) or sensory seeking (crashing into walls, squeezing into cushions, or craving deep pressure). Most of us have sensory preferences, but kids with autism tend to show stronger or more disruptive sensory behaviors. Motor delays and toe walking Research now shows that many children with autism have motor planning issues or walk later than typical peers. Toe walking, especially when barefoot, can also be a sign. While toe walking can occur in typically developing kids or those with cerebral palsy, combined with other red flags, it may point toward autism. Poor imitation skills Imitation is key to learning language, play, and social interaction. Babies naturally imitate sounds and gestures, but children with autism often struggle here. Regression in imitation skills (like losing the ability to wave or copy sounds) is also common. Teaching imitation can dramatically improve outcomes. To summarize, here are the 10 possible signs of autism from Chapter 2 of Turn Autism Around: Lack of pointing by 18 months Speech and language delays (expressive and receptive) Excessive tantrums Not responding to name Delayed play skills Repetitive behaviors Insistence on sameness Sensory issues Motor delays and toe walking Poor imitation skills If your child is showing several of these signs, don’t panic—but don’t wait either. Early action makes a huge difference. You can read the first chapter of my book for free and listen to Chapter 2 (the one we just reviewed) at turnautismaround.com. You’ll also get free resources like sample assessments, planning forms, and feeding grids to help you get started right away. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Reviews help us spread the word to more parents and professionals looking for positive strategies to increase talking, decrease tantrums, and improve daily life skills. Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you next week for another episode of Turn Autism Around.

Want to Learn how to Increase Talking & Decrease Tantrums in Children with Autism or Toddlers Showing Signs?

Want to start making a difference for your child or clients?

I’m Ready to Learn!

About the Author

Dr. Mary Barbera, RN, BCBA-D is a best-selling author, award-winning speaker, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a Ph.D. in leadership. As both an autism mom and professional, Mary brings over 25 years of experience helping thousands of parents and professionals around the world. She is the creator of the Turn Autism Around® approach and author of The Verbal Behavior Approach and Turn Autism Around: An Action Guide for Parents of Young Children with Early Signs of Autism. Through her books, online courses, and podcast, Mary empowers families to increase talking, reduce tantrums, and improve life skills in young children with autism or signs of autism.