Signs of Autism by Developmental Stage

There are many benefits to detecting autism early on as children grow. If a child is diagnosed early on, parents and caregivers can be more informed of the child’s development and needs, and the child will thus be less likely to be placed in situations of distress or uncertainty. Secondly, children who are diagnosed with autism early on may be able to access financial support and NDIS sooner. By recognizing the early signs of autism, you will be helping your child navigate their development, so they may have an easier time transitioning into school.

When looking for early signs of autism, it is helpful to recognize the ways we categories children based on their developmental age. The developmental age refers to the behaviors and actions which the child is capable of, measured against the ‘typical’ age ranges these behaviors appear. If your child is not capable of certain behaviors and does not meet the expected developmental milestones, then it is possible that they will have a developmental disorder such as autism.

While some children with autism will be identifiable from a young age, for others true symptoms do not appear until school age. If you recognize many of the following signs however, it is advisable to seek further advice and diagnosis from a healthcare practitioner who is knowledgeable on the subject of autism.

Expected developmental milestones

12 month old

• Tends to look at faces, responds to facial expressions featuring emotion

• Smiles often

• Creates sounds or babbles

• Can speak simple words such as “mama”

• Reacts to noises

• Recognises and preferences primary caregiver by voice, touch

• Able to sit up alone and to stand with support

Seek support if:

12 month old

• Cannot recognise emotion in facial expressions, or no reaction

• Does not smile

• No babbling or laughing

• Does not show any recognition of words or verbal communication

• No response to loud noises

• Does not show love or recognition to primary caregiver

• Stays still, no crawling or standing

Expected developmental milestones

24 month old

• Can walk upright on their own, can climb stairs with assistance

• Single words by 15-18 months; phrases by 24 months

• Can repeat what others say or do

Seek support if:

24 month old

• Unable to walk after 18 months

• Does not communicate or imitate actions of others

Expected developmental milestones

36 month old

• Can construct 4-5 word long sentences, understands most sentences when spoken to

• Imitates adults and playmates

• Can spend time away from parents calmly

• Plays make believe

• Improving motor skills, can run, play with toys, climb stairs unassisted

Seek support if:

36 month old

• Limited speech, cannot construct phrases, cannot follow simple instructions

• Does not show interest in other children

• Unable to be calmly separate from primary caregiver

• Does not play “make-believe” or use imagination

• Often falls over, cannot balance on their own

Preschool age

Social communication

• Does not share observations through speech or by pointing

• Lack of eye contact towards others

• Unusual patterns of speech, or does not speak

• May be avoidant of other children/adults

• Limited interest in play, toys, etc.

Behavioural red flags

• Constant repetitive movements or fidgets

• Obsessive interest in certain objects, toys or images

• Changes of routines are significant stressors

• Difficulty in toilet training

• Strong negative reactions to certain noises or busy public places