Why Responding to Name Is So Important
Responding to one’s name is one of the earliest social communication milestones. It shows that your child is starting to connect, attend, and understand that other people are speaking directly to them. If your child isn’t responding consistently, it may be an early sign of:
Autism
Attention difficulties
Or even just that their name is associated with negative experiences
Don’t panic—but do take action. Early intervention can make a big difference and I have a lot of resources for teaching name response and other skills.
When Do Typical Children Start Responding to Their Name?
Most typically developing children begin responding to their name between 4 and 9 months of age. By their first birthday, most children consistently turn their head or make eye contact when their name is called in a quiet setting.
If your child is over 12 months old and frequently doesn’t respond when you call their name, even when you’re close by and there aren’t distractions, it’s time to take a closer look. This doesn’t necessarily mean autism—but it is a good reason to monitor and consider next steps. The MCHAT may be a helpful tool for looking deeper into signs of autism.
Step 1: Stop Overusing the Child’s Name
When I first started ABA therapy with my son Lucas in the late 1990s, I was told something that changed everything: Stop using his name for commands, corrections, or negative situations.
If you’re constantly saying “Johnny, no!” or “Johnny, sit down!” or “Johnny, stop that,” you may be accidentally teaching your child that their name means something negative is about to happen. This will make a child stop responding to their name.
Whether you’re a parent or a professional, this is a critical first step. Use the child’s name only when you’re delivering something positive.