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