5 Early Signs of Autism You Shouldn’t Ignore

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can show up long before a formal diagnosis—sometimes in the first year of life. Recognising subtle cues early lets parents seek timely evaluation and evidence-based therapy, giving children the best chance to thrive. Below are five research-backed red flags to watch for in babies and toddlers, plus guidance on what to do next.

1. Limited Eye Contact and Social Smiles

By six months most babies lock eyes and beam back at a smiling caregiver. Consistently avoiding eye contact or rarely sharing joyful expressions may point to emerging social-communication differences.

2. Little or No Response to Name, Babbling or Gestures

A 12-month-old typically babbles (“mama”, “dada”), waves, or points to share interest. When a child rarely turns toward a familiar voice, doesn’t babble, or doesn’t use simple gestures, clinicians flag it for autism screening.

3. Delayed or Regressing Speech

A speech delay alone doesn’t equal autism, but when first words arrive late—or a toddler suddenly loses words already gained—paired with other red flags, it warrants prompt assessment. Early identification allows intervention during critical language-learning windows.

4. Limited Joint Attention (Pointing or Showing)

Joint attention means looking back and forth between a caregiver and an object of interest (“Look, Mum!”). Infants who seldom point, show, or follow another’s gaze after 12 months often struggle with socially shared experiences—one of the earliest hallmarks of ASD.

5. Repetitive Movements or Heightened Sensory Reactions

Hand-flapping, rocking, lining up toys the same way every time, or being unusually distressed by certain sounds or textures can appear as early as the first year. These repetitive or sensory-seeking behaviours differentiate autistic development from typical toddler quirks.

Why Acting Early Matters

Large-scale CDC surveillance shows that children identified by age 4 receive earlier services and demonstrate better developmental gains than those diagnosed later. Early occupational, speech, and behavioural therapies can significantly improve social, language, and cognitive outcomes.

Next Steps for Parents in Vizag

If you recognise two or more of these signs, don’t wait. Book a developmental screening with our qualified paediatrician by reaching out to Little Miracles Child Development Centre, Seethammadara. Our multidisciplinary team offers evidence-based assessment, parent-training, and therapy programmes tailored to each child’s needs. Early concern is never over-reaction—it’s proactive parenting.

Have questions? Call or WhatsApp Little Miracles today and let’s chart the best path forward together.