Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers: What Parents Can Watch For Between 12 and 24 Months
The early signs of autism in toddlers usually show up as differences in social connection, communication, and play. Common ones are not responding to their name by 12 months, limited eye contact, no pointing or gesturing by 12 months, few or no words by 16 months, and losing skills they previously had. One sign alone doesn’t mean autism, but several together are a reason to talk to your pediatrician and ask for a developmental screening.
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If you’re searching for this, you’ve probably noticed something that made you pause. That instinct matters. Parents are often the first to notice, and acting early gives a child the most time to get support.
This guide walks through what the signs look like in everyday life, how they differ from typical toddler behavior, and what to do next.
How common is autism?
The CDC’s autism surveillance network found that about 1 in 31 children aged 8 in the United States was identified with autism spectrum disorder in 2022. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that autism can often be reliably diagnosed by 18 to 24 months, and some signs can be seen even earlier.
Early signs of autism by area
The CDC’s list of signs and symptoms groups early autism signs into social, communication, and behavior differences. Here is what those look like at home.
Social connection
- Doesn’t consistently respond to their name by around 12 months
- Limited or inconsistent eye contact, especially during play, feeding, or when you talk to them
- Doesn’t share enjoyment. Rarely smiles back, or doesn’t look up to share a moment with you
- Prefers to play alone and doesn’t seek you out for comfort or play
- Doesn’t show you things. Typical toddlers hold up a toy to say “look!” Some autistic toddlers don’t
Communication
- No babbling or back-and-forth sounds by 12 months
- No pointing or waving by about 12 months
- Few or no spoken words by 16 months, or no two-word phrases by 24 months (check against the CDC developmental milestone checklists)
- Loss of words or social skills at any age. This is a priority reason to call your doctor right away
- Uses your hand as a tool, such as placing it on a jar to open it without looking at you
Play and behavior
- Lines up or stacks objects repeatedly instead of playing with them in varied ways
- Intense focus on parts of toys, like spinning wheels, rather than the toy as a whole
- Repetitive movements, such as hand flapping, rocking, or toe walking
- Strong need for sameness. Big distress over small changes in routine, a different route, or a different cup
- Unusual reactions to sound, texture, light, or taste. This can look like covering ears at ordinary noises, gagging at certain foods, or seeking out certain textures
Is it autism or just typical toddler behavior?
Every toddler is different, and plenty of typical children show a few of these traits. Here’s a practical way to think about it.
| What you notice | Often typical | Worth raising with your doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Not talking much at 15 months | Child babbles, points, gestures, and understands you | Child also doesn’t point, wave, or respond to name |
| Lining up toys | Happens sometimes; child also plays other ways | Happens most of the time, and child is upset if it’s disturbed |
| Tantrums | Tied to tiredness, hunger, or frustration, and child recovers | Frequent, intense, triggered by small changes, hard to soothe |
| Avoiding eye contact | Shy with strangers but makes eye contact with familiar people | Rarely makes eye contact, even with you |
The pattern matters more than any single behavior. Look at how many signs there are, how often they happen, and whether your child is gaining new skills over time.
What to do if you’re worried
- Write down what you see. Note specific examples and dates. Short phone videos of your child playing, talking, or reacting to their name can be very useful to a clinician.
- Ask for a developmental screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months, in addition to general developmental screening. A common parent questionnaire is the M-CHAT-R/F.
- Don’t “wait and see.” If you’re concerned, ask for a referral to a developmental specialist or an autism evaluation even if the screening looks fine. Screening is not a diagnosis.
- Contact early intervention. In Texas, children from birth to 36 months may qualify for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services.
- Learn what support looks like. Therapy is tailored to the child. You can read how one common approach works in our guide to what ABA therapy is and how families decide between home-based and clinic-based ABA.
Why early support matters
The early years are a period of rapid brain development, and toddlers learn communication and social skills quickly. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that early intervention can help children build communication, learning, and daily-living skills. A diagnosis doesn’t define your child’s future. It opens the door to support that fits how your child learns.
Therapy for autism can include ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and feeding therapy, often used together. If your child begins ABA, your role as a caregiver makes a real difference, and our guide to choosing the right ABA provider can help you ask the right questions.
Not sure what you’re seeing? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Twinkle Autism supports San Antonio families with guidance on next steps, from evaluation questions to ABA therapy services. Reach out today, and we’ll help you take the first step.
Book a Free Consultation or call Twinkle Autism: 210-797-7181
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can autism be diagnosed?
Autism can often be reliably diagnosed by 18 to 24 months by an experienced professional. Some children are diagnosed earlier, and others later, especially if signs are subtle.
Can a 12-month-old show signs of autism?
Yes. Some signs, such as limited response to name, little babbling, and no pointing or waving, can appear around 12 months. A single sign is not a diagnosis, so discuss concerns with your pediatrician.
Is a toddler not talking a sign of autism?
Not always. Speech delay has many causes, including hearing problems and typical variation. It’s more concerning when a child also has limited gestures, eye contact, and social interest. A hearing test and developmental evaluation can sort this out.
What is the M-CHAT?
The M-CHAT-R/F is a short parent questionnaire used to screen toddlers for autism risk. It flags children who may need a full evaluation. It cannot diagnose autism on its own.
Do autistic toddlers ever make eye contact?
Many do, but often less consistently or in different ways. Eye contact alone isn’t a reliable test.
Should I wait to see if my child catches up?
No. If you’re concerned, request a screening and evaluation now. Early support is helpful whether or not your child is ultimately diagnosed.
